Tesco Plc's F&F clothing brand will open its first outlets in Russia in the capital Moscow in June, a local partner of retailing businesses said Thursday.
Debruss, which is the Russian franchise operator for British department store group Debenhams Plc, said it would open two F&F outlets in June, followed by one more in August, in Moscow shopping malls.
Two of the three will be shops within Debenhams stores, it said.
Tesco declined to comment.
Sources familiar with the matter said in February last year that F&F would partner with Debruss to expand into Russia.
Tesco, which launched F&F in the UK and Ireland in 2001, has been expanding the brand internationally.
The move into Russia comes as the local economy heads towards recession and consumer confidence touches record lows following Western sanctions against Moscow over its role in the Ukraine conflict and a drop in oil prices.
Debruss is opening its second Debenhams store in the Aviapark mall in Moscow in August.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
