Austin Reed doubles expansion plan

Retailer Austin Reed plans to open a further 60 stores across the UK in the next two years.   The plans come on top of an initial three-year programme to open 50 Austin Reed and Country Casuals stores.   Nick Hollingworth, chief executive of the Austin Reed Group, said: “Following the success of 40 new openings this year, we are planning to open 100 new stores in our three year program, more than doubling the original estimates.”   “Recent store openings for the CC brand include stores in Reigate, Goldaming and our first freestanding store in Ireland. Openings for the Austin Reed brand include Birmingham Airport and six womenswear concessions in House of Fraser stores.”   There are 92 Austin Reed stores, concessions and outlets and 217 Country Casuals stores and concessions nationwide.   joanne.payne@rbi.co.uk