Guess plans London openings for kidswear and sub-brand stores

Guess Kidswear will debut in 2011 and is expected to be in London. The retailer will also debut a standalone store for its catwalk-inspired sub-brand Guess by Marciano next year, again in London.

Guess Europe president Luca Donnini said that Guess Kidswear and Guess by Marciano could be rolled out if they perform well.

The retailer also wants to boost its UK retail operation and plans to open five stores here every year.

Guess opened two stores - a 1,300 sq ft accessories store and a 3,200 sq ft store housing menswear, womenswear and kidswear - in Knightsbridge last week. It will open a further three stores in Meadowhall and London’s One New Change and Victoria Place, by October. It currently has 19 UK stores.

Donnini said: “Our strategy in the UK is retail focused. Our main goal is to establish an excellent retail network to make a strong brand statement in the region.”

Guess is stocked in department stores such as House of Fraser and Selfridges. It is also in discussions with Harrods.

Donnini said Guess’s UK online site is one of its most successful in Europe and he expects it to generate 20% of European online sales by January. Online shopping has been available in the UK since November.

Guess reported a 6% rise in European retail and wholesale sales to $222.3m (£144.2m) for the three months to July 31. Total revenue increased 10% to $577.1m (£374.4m).