Ann Summers to open at Croydon

Lingerie and sex toys retailer Ann Summers will open its first department store concession at Allders Croydon later this month, and also plans European store expansion.

An Ann Summers spokesman said: 'We were in talks with lots of department stores but chose Allders because it's very close to the head office. We can monitor the store's progress and, if it goes well, hopefully we will do more.'

The group is eyeing Barcelona and Madrid as possible Spanish locations for the brand after opening in Valencia in May.

It was the first overseas shop for the retailer and part of a multi-million pound expansion drive.

Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold (pictured) said: 'With 124 stores and growing, we are always looking for more retail channels. Ann Summers has become more than just a brand and is now a female institution.'

She added: 'I believe concessions are the way forward for Ann Summers.'