Superdry to become largest UK retailer to open in Turkey

The owner of the Superdry fashion brand has signed a deal with a franchise partner to launch stores in Turkey, becoming the latest UK retailer to open in the country.

SuperGroup has signed a five-year agreement with Demsa Group, and will open its first store in Istanbul in October. It will then launch another store in the capital and one in Ankara by early 2014.

Supergroup chief executive Julian Dunkerton said: "Turkey is a territory that has held our interest for some time and our partnership with Demsa Group offers the perfect opportunity to enter this diverse and growing market.

"Demsa Group has an excellent understanding of our brand ethos and we look forward to growing the partnership."

Demsa will also run Superdry shops within Harvey Nichols stores in Turkey. Marks & Spencer, Topshop and Tesco have stores in the country, which has a population of 74 million.