Laura Ashley says it is in talks with a potential partner to open stores in China.

The British fashion and home furnishings company plans to set up stores in the mainland by next year as it seeks growth outside Europe.

The company’s business development manager Kai Xiang Teo said Laura Ashley can possibly double its existing network of 130 global franchise stores if the company gets it right in China.

Teo added that Laura Ashley is eager to make a brand statement to boost its impact in the Chinese market.

“We bring something unique about the UK which they like and cannot get hold of in China right now. I feel that we shouldn’t reinvent the brand too much to suit the Chinese market, because then you blend in with the other brands,” said Teo.

Laura Ashley, which has around 200 stores in the UK, declined to identify the potential partner.

GB