H&M-owned fashion retailer COS plans to open three new UK stores this year as it further extends its reach in London and the South East.

The new shops will be located at The Bentall Centre in Kingston upon Thames, Canary Wharf, and the Kings Road.

Cos, which has a more upmarket offering to H&M, already has nine stores, six of which are located in the capital.

The Bentall Centre is undergoing a £3.25m refurbishment to create additional retail and food space. The works are due to be completed in October.

The Cos store, due to open in the autumn, will cover 6,600 sq ft on the first floor, joining retailers including Apple and Superdry at the centre.

COS head of brand Marie Honda said: “Since launching the brand six years ago in London, we have been very pleased to have received such a positive reaction from customers. We hope that this will continue with our opening in the Bentall Centre, Kingston upon Thames. A new and exciting area of London for us to explore.”