Debenhams opens first store in Pakistan

Debenhams has opened its first department store in

Pakistan as it continues to expand its business overseas.

The retailer signed a franchise agreement with Team A Ventures to open the store which is situated in Dolmen Mall in Karachi. Team A Ventures also represents a number of other British retailers in the country including Mothercare, Early Learning Centre, Next, Monsoon and Accessorize.

Debenhams said it would consider expanding into other major cities in Pakistan if it were able find suitable store sites to lease. Lucy Haine, senior business manager at Debenhams International, told The National on Sunday: "There’s a highly affluent middle class which is growing in Pakistan, and we have also got a strong franchise partner."

Adnan Hamid, the general manager of Debenhams in Pakistan added: "The fashion market has been expanding for the last four to five years and there are strong local brands in the market.

"There are so many people travelling from Pakistan to the UK. There are people coming into the store saying, 'We used to go to the UK or Dubai to shop in Debenhams'." The Karachi store will use the same branding as in the UK and sell the same range of merchandise.