Poundstretcher has opened a second store in Zambia this week as it seeks to expand in the region.
It is understood the value retailer is plotting a further two, bringing its store count in the country to four.
Poundstretcher also operates three stores in Malawi after it launched there last year.
Retail Week understands that the African business is operated separately from the UK business by Zunaid Aziz, the nephew of Aziz Tayub, chairman of Poundstretcher in the UK.
Sources indicated that Zunaid Aziz plans to “aggressively expand” in the region. However a Poundstretcher UK spokeswoman declined to comment.
The openings follow Poundstretcher’s launch in Dubai two year ago. Its strore in the Madina Mall represented the first time a UK variety store had ventured outside of the UK.
However, rival value retailers are now stepping up their overseas expansion plans too. This week Retail Week revealed that B&M Bargains has acquired German discount retail JA Woll Handels, which trades through the Jawoll and Hafu fascias.
Poundland, which last month floated on the stock exchange, is planning to open its first stores on the continent in Spain this year with 10 shops set to be trialled under its Euro fascia Dealz.
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