International News - Sela is ready to double its store count in Russia

Israeli-owned fashion retailer Sela Corporation is accelerating franchising in Russia to double store numbers there.

Sela's 28 Russian stores sell men's, women's and children's clothes.

Sela director general for Moscow Irina Nikiforova said the retailer aims to expand rapidly over the next couple of years.

'There are very few Western operators in Russia and I believe there is more potential for Sela to go into regional cities,' said Nikiforova.

'Just three to five years ago, people here preferred to shop in open markets - that is changing.

'People want to save more time and they want to have a shop experience.'