​Recent news that Quiz Clothing has returned to growth (after a very bruising period in its history) was encouraging. Even better, this week it said it’s back in store expansion mode.

Following its wide-reaching operational streamlining strategy introduced in February, the Scotland-based group is planning between five and 10 new UK store openings over the next 12 months.

It unveiled the prototype for these new stores last month with the Braehead, Glasgow, store set to be its design blueprint. And it’s now looking for “a focused number of new sites to showcase the brand’s extended product offering”. The company is looking at regions across the UK but with a focus on London and the south. 

CEO Sheraz Ramzan said: “We have evolved our retail formula and, encouraged by a strong uplift in [like-for-like] retail sales over the summer, we are confident the new strategy is working. The plan is to now expand in the right locations through units that provide the best possible backdrop for our extended product offering. This will be underpinned by an improved capex and return model with more flexible lease terms.”

The Glasgow store covers 1,800 sq ft and has a “softer design concept framed by white and gold fittings”. It introduces an “elevated and aspirational environment for customers, with in-store screens for video-led campaign content and enhanced digital offerings”.

Extended product ranges including coordinated separates, contemporary tailoring and day-to-evening dresses also expand the brand’s appeal and the company said “customer reaction has been very positive, with attention to fits, extended sizing options and improved fabrications helping to drive a 20% uplift in sales across the business in September”.

Retail growth is also “being supported by international franchise partners, an enhanced concession model and expansion of online partnerships”.

The brand currently has 40 stores in the UK and a network of UK and international franchise and online partners. And last month its said it saw an average 14% uplift in like-for-like store sales during July and August. In the same period, online sales also grew 5% like-for-like.