Italian luxury-apparel label Canali has extended its retail footprint into seven additional cities in China.

The firm has assumed control of the stores, which were selling its own branded goods under a franchise partnership, in a move to further its direct-retail prospects in the territory. The 10 stores affected are located in Changsha, Changchun, Hangzhou, Kunming, Nanning, Taiyuan and Xi’an.

A statement from the brand described the takeover as further strengthening Canali’s position in luxury menswear within China.

“This is an important project that stems from our conviction about the leading role of the Chinese market,” said Canali’s president and CEO Stefano Canali. 

“The acquisition signifies our long-term commitment to this strategic market and marks an important cornerstone of the next phase of Canali’s growth in China to elevate brand presence and customer experience.”