Tesco signs new franchise deals to expand F&F clothing brand's overseas presence

The retailer is to open stores across the Middle East, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan after inking two new franchise deals.

Tesco has extended its relationship with existing partner Al-Hokair, which opened the retailer’s first franchise stores in Saudi Arabia in May last year, to launch new stores in Kazakhstan and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Up to six stores are planned this year with the first store due to open in the Kazakh capital, Astana, in June.

In the Middle East, F&F will work with new partner Al Futtaim. Several sites are planned to open across the region from the autumn this year. 

F&F chief executive Jason Tarry said:  “We’ve had a strong year and our combination of good quality and contemporary design appeals to customers across the world. I’m excited to see F&F moving into these new markets, where there is an established and growing retail industry.

“Franchising enables us to combine the strength of the F&F brand with the local knowledge and expertise of our partners. This announcement builds on the success of the first franchise stores and demonstrates our commitment to growing the brand internationally through this model - I’m confident these new deals will accelerate our growth.”

F&F clothing is currently sold in 12 countries, including standalone stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. It also has 15 standalone stores operating under the franchise model in Saudi Arabia.

In the UK, F&F sales have exceeded £1bn and have increased by 9% in the year to February 23.