Luxury footwear retailer and brand Jimmy Choo is taking direct control of its mainland Chinese distribution with immediate effect.

Jimmy Choo has acquired the rights to its Chinese distribution from Kutu, the partner that had been operating its business in mainland China since 2009.

The retailer has established a separate trading business, Jimmy Choo (Shanghai) Trading Co, which will have direct responsibility for retail operations.

At present Jimmy Choo has three stores in China - in Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing - and plans to open a further four stores within the next few months and have a total of 30 over the next few years.

Jimmy Choo also runs a wholesale operation in China to retailers such as stores high-end department store group Lane Crawford and Joyce.

Chairman and chief executive of Jimmy Choo Asia, Pierre Denis,said: “China is a vital market for Jimmy Choo, where we have ample opportunity for growth. Having control in the market will allow us to further develop the brand and our business and become closer to our customers in the region.”

Jimmy Choo (Shanghai) Trading Co will be managed by Wannie Suen, president of Jimmy Choo Asia, who is based in Hong Kong.