Stellar Retail close to signing deal on first Singapore outlet

PETALING JAYA: Stellar Retail Sdn Bhd, the master franchisee for Debenhams in Malaysia and Singapore, expects to make its debut in Singapore this year.

Stellar Retail's co-founder Andy Jackson said it is close to signing a deal in Singapore for a store that will be located on Orchard Road.

"We hope to open (the store) in the third quarter of this year," he said.

In Malaysia, Debenhams is keen to increase its presence, particularly within new township development.

"We are looking at two to three sites in the Klang Valley with huge potential.

"Every single year, we have been performing better than the year before," Jackson told Business Times in a recent interview.

Debenhams first entered Malaysia in November 2003 with the opening of an outlet at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur.

In August 2006, Berjaya Group's BTS Department Store Sdn Bhd and Debenhams decided to terminate their franchise agreement as the local business had proven to be unprofitable.

In 2008, Stellar reintroduced the brand in Malaysia with a slightly varied concept - a smaller store measuring 11,500 sq ft with no consignment counters. It simply offered apparel for men, women and children under one roof.

Women's wear and lingerie continue to be Debenhams best seller, accounting for 60 per cent of its total sales.