An international expansion programme through franchising has paid dividends for womens fashion retailer Mango, which has reported 2003 sales of just over EUR1bn. The Spanish company saw total sales growth of 5.4 per cent year-on-year, with 73 per cent of total sales coming from the franchised operation outside its home country.

Wholesale sales to franchise stores rose five per cent to EUR782 million for 2003. Mango opened 104 new stores during the year, bringing the company total to 704. The company has 54 in stores in France, 40 in Germany and 21 in the UK. Its expansion drive has also taken it into Africa, Asia and South America and it has recently taken its offer to China, Italy and Australia. Mango locates stores in prime positions, including large shopping centres and city centres.

There is evidence, however, that Mango has seen the impact of a tougher market for clothing sales in some countries over recent months. Jersey-based retailer CI Traders said last month that sales at its Mango franchise store, opened in September last year, had been disappointing in the run-up to Christmas.