Scottish knitwear maker Pringle is expanding into mainland China, opening its first store in Chengdu this month.

Pringle of Scotland is one of the oldest names in the Scottish apparel business. Founded in 1815 by Robert Pringle, the company began as a manufacturer of hosiery and underwear. It became one of the first luxury knitwear manufacturers in the world, having expanded throughout Europe, the US and Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Pringle in China will be operated by the Hong Kong-based Fang family.

Chengdu, according to Wilfred Koo, Pringle’s president for Greater China, offers large consumer base and prime retail space, making it a perfect first location for Pringle.

“Chengdu is a hot, hot market, and now they have all these new shopping malls,” says Koo.

The brand’s development plan for the mainland will see it open up to 20 stores within three to five years.