US retailer Abercrombie & Fitch plans new stores in Asia, the Middle East and Australia this year.

Having moved offshore for the frist time in 2007, A&F is now ready to increase its international network. It says it will open 20 Hollister stores this year, including a Dubai store and its first Hollister store in Japan.

Seoul and Shanghai will also get new A&F stores this year.

The company says the renewed confidence was attributed to the good performing stores in China and Hong Kong.

Abercrombie & Fitch operated 107 Hollister stores, 14 Abercrombie & Fitch and three Abercrombie Kids globally. International markets accounted for almost 40 per cent of the company’s total sales of $4.5 billion in 2012.

GB