No joint venture with Landmark
A New Look spokesman has denied that the value fashion retailer is planning to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with Dubai-based Landmark Group.

However, New Look opened its first store in Dubai in September and the retailer aims to expand in more than six countries within the next five years.

Earlier this month, New Look chief executive Phil Wrigley said that the retailer is also considering a flotation this year. He added that he would investigate the option to float in March. He said: 'It's [a float] a possibility. Because of the strength of our trading and the changes we have made, it opens up options to our investors. We have transformed the business. It is double the size it was two and a half years ago.'

New Look revealed that its UK like-for-like sales rose 3.2 per cent in the 14 weeks to December 30, driven by space and range expansion throughout Europe. Total group sales jumped 26 per cent.

New Look has 570 stores in the UK and Ireland and is expanding in Belgium, France, Ireland and the UK.

In France, the retailer operates the 230-strong chain of Mim stores and is testing a handful of New Look-branded stores.