The retailer has earmarked White City shopping centre Westfield London for its debut and wants to open more stores between next year and 2010.
Blanco, founded in 1960 in Bilbao, has about 100 stores in Spain and Portugal. The retailer will also expand in Italy from next year.
Blanco is regarded widely as a competitor to Zara in both retailers’ home market of Spain. Blanco has three store formats; women’s fashion shop Blanco, accessories and lingerie specialist Blanco Accessories and outlet store Blanco Stock.
It is understood that property agency Jones Lang LaSalle advised Blanco on its first UK deal at Westfield London. Blanco and Jones Lang LaSalle were unavailable for comment.
Separately, Australian footwear retailer Ugg is understood to be in negotiations for its first UK store – also at Westfield London. The retailer, well known for its trendy sheepskin boots, has three flagship stores worldwide, in New York, Chicago and Montreal.
In the UK, a range of outlets stock Ugg’s offer, including Kate Kuba and Kurt Geiger stores and it is available online on Asos’ site. Ugg sells men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, boots and slippers, alongside products for the home, such as sheepskin rugs and pillows. Westfield London will open next autumn.
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