Mamas & Papas is to open in Russia and South Africa as it steps up its global expansion.

The retailer has signed up with franchise partners in the countries and will open stores in Moscow, St Petersburg and Johannesburg.

The maternity specialist has also signed a distribution deal in Iceland as it eyes further global coverage this year.

Deputy chief executive of the retailer Tim Maule told Retail Week he expects its international business to outgrow its UK operation in the next five to 10 years.

The retailer already sells in 16 countries worldwide including the US, Spain, France and Greece.