The British apparel and home retailer, Marks and Spencer has launched its first store in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) in a bid to expand its presence in India in partnership with Reliance Retail. According to a leading media house, to meet the rapidly increasing demand for the brand, it plans to open 10 stores annually.

Esplanade One mall will host the first M&S store in the city and it is spread over across 6,700 sq. ft. The new outlet will stock the latest trends in women’s wear for AW ‘18 as well as a varied range of wardrobe staples that include denim, knitwear, outerwear, smart wear, and much more.

James Munson, MD, Marks & Spencer Reliance India, elucidated at the launch event that, being a fast-growing IT city, Odisha was in the company’s sights for some time and the retailer is thrilled to be opening the first store here. “Odisha is a rapidly growing IT and education hub with mass younger audience who are on look-out for international fashion trends and experiences. The city is enjoying good economic growth and we feel this is the right time to enter the market,” James said.

The Managing Director further added that the company is focussing on major areas that have shown significant growth in the recent past, like women’s wear and innerwear. The retailer also revealed its plans that the next store openings will take place in Hyderabad and Delhi in the coming time.

For the store opening, the brand got on-board Bollywood actress, Disha Patani and she affirmed to the media that she is excited about the brand’s initiative to expand across the country. “For stylish winterwear and contemporary fashion, I always go to M&S,” she added.

Forayed into the Indian market with a collaboration with Reliance Retail back in 2008, the brand operates 67 stores in 32 cities across the nation and is also available on leading online marketplaces such as Jabong, Myntra, Amazon, and Ajio.