Danish homewares retailer Jysk is to expand its international operations by launching in China, Eastern Europe, Greece and Belgium.

The retailer, which opened its first four British stores in the Northwest earlier this year, plans to debut in China, Croatia, Russia, Greece, Bosnia, Belgium and Serbia, opening four stores in each market initially.

Its first Chinese store will open in 2010, possibly in the Yangtze River Delta region. Stores in Croatia and Russia will open in the next financial year and there are plans to have 32 and 40 stores in each respective country by 2012. Over the next four years Jysk also wants to launch 28 stores in Greece and 20 stores in Bosnia. It will debut in both countries in the 2009/2010 financial year.

Jysk also plans to have 16 stores in Belgium and 12 stores in Serbia by 2012 and is considering launching in Italy and Spain as well.

Jysk Nordic communications manager Jonas Schroeder said the retailer will operate company-owned stores in the new markets, rather than franchises or partnerships, and will concentrate on opening on the edge of big cities.

Jysk runs 1,450 stores, including franchise stores, in 32 countries.