Habitat has confirmed it is to open stores in the Middle East and Russia this year.

As revealed by Retail Week last year, the first Russian stores will open in Moscow and St Petersburg, showcasing Habitat’s Autumn-Winter 2009 collection.

Habitat will also open in Dubai in September 2009, “kick-starting” the development in the Gulf region and following with stores in Abu Dhabi.

The home furnishings retailer, which is also in talks with local partners about opening stores in China and India, wants to ramp up its international franchise operations to equal the volumes generated by its standalone operations within three to five years.

Habitat business development manager Mauricio Solodujin said: “Habitat is hugely excited about forming these new partnerships and will continue to develop Habitat as a global player within the retail market, focusing on long-term commitment with its partners."