Matalan is considering launching in Eastern Europe, after opening two new franchised stores in Malta.

Matalan

Matalan

Matalan has a 23-store network throughout the Middle East

The value fashion retailer, based in Liverpool, opened the stores in the towns of Sliema and Fgura last week with franchise partner Camilleri Group.

Matalan is now exploring adding Eastern Europe to its franchise network, which it established in 2010 with a store in Dubai. It has a 23-store network throughout the Middle East.

Matalan international director Damian Hopkins said: “We are thrilled to be opening our first stores in Malta; trading has been very strong in both of our new stores, exceeding our expectations.”

The value retailer had a turbulent last financial year, after its customer proposition was “severely challenged” due to warehouse issues.

EBITDA at the discount fashion and homeware retailer nearly halved, decreasing 44% from £100.3m in the 52 weeks to February 27, 2016.

Sales also dipped, shrinking 3% to £1.06bn.