Monsoon to roll out standalone kids' stores

Fashion retailer Monsoon is to roll out childrenswear standalones following the success of its boys' range.

The retailer has just opened a Monsoon Children fascia at Brent Cross, London. Monsoon chief executive Rose Foster said the store, which has a new shop fit and stocks girls' and boys' clothing, is the first of its kind.

'We plan to roll it out and take it forward,' she said, without revealing target store numbers. Monsoon already has two Girl stores, which are likely to be converted to Children.

On Monday, Monsoon revealed a surge in sales. In the year to May 29, sales came to£271.4 million from£231.2 million last year. Pre-tax profits rose to£44.1 million from£38.2 million.

The retailer announced plans to pilot menswear in 12 shops this autumn, as well as a strategy to build its international division. It has bought its Russian franchise partner and signed franchise agreements in Europe and Canada.