Lifestyle retailer White Stuff is considering a push into foreign markets as its search for a new chairman begins.

According to the Sunday Telegraph, the retailer is to appoint a new chairman and is discussing plans to move into northern Europe. The move into Europe would be White Stuff’s first international venture aside from several wholesale accounts.

Chief executive Sally Bailey said over the next five years the retailer planned to open shops and internet sites abroad but said no final decisions had been made.

Chairman Vince Gwilliam is to step down from his role and become senior independent director at White Stuff, paving the way for a new chairman.