The nursery and childrenswear retailer is planning to double exports to Central and Eastern Europe over the next year; also eyeing the Far East and the Middle East.
Mamas and Papas is pushing forward with its international expansion post-Brexit.
The nursery and childrenswear retailer is planning to double exports to Central and Eastern Europe over the next year as it continues with its long-term ambition to become the ‘global nursery brand of choice’.
It has signed distribution partners and agents in ten countries including Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Fashion United also reported that it was close to signing agreements covering a further five countries in the Balkan Peninsula.
The retailer is also exploring similar partnerships in the Far East and the Middle East, as it plans to double overseas sales to that region over the next year.
“There has always been strong overseas demand for British heritage brands like Mamas and Papas and our products have sold successfully in a number of markets for decades,” commented Johan Meyfroidt, international general manager at Mamas and Papas. “As we step up our global ambitions, we’re exploring multiple routes to market, from distributors and agents to franchisees and licensing partners. What works in Poland may not work in Malaysia, so it’s important we have the agility to tailor our approach to suit local market dynamics.”
Mark Saunders, ceo of the retailer, said that post-Brexit it was important for UK companies to think globally about their growth and “take full advantage of the enduring appeal of British brands”.
At the same time, Mamas and Papas is continuing with its expansion in its core UK market. It will be opening more concessions with Next following strong footfall and sales. A 2,000 square foot space in Next’s store in Brent Cross Shopping Park is planned, as is a similarly sized location at the Next Milton Keynes Central Retail Park, which is opening on 30 July.
