Reiss tests the water in Europe with Dublin store

Fashion retailer Reiss is to review international expansion options at the end of the year after testing its first European store in Dublin.

Finance director Steven Downes said the Dublin shop, which opened last November, was a testbed. 'It is a reasonably safe way to gauge what response we get and how we handle local markets. We want a brand that can travel without much tinkering,' he said.

He would not reveal target numbers or areas for overseas expansion. That will depend on the results of the review, which will also decide whether Reiss expands internationally through licensing or other routes.

In the UK Reiss, which has 26 British shops, will invest£4 million to open eight stores this year. Reiss nearly doubled profits in the year to January 31, from£1 million last time to£1.8 million.