French Connection, a UK-based fashion retailer, opened its first flagship store in Hong Kong November 8. The new store will be operated by FCUK I.T Co, a joint venture between French Connection Group plc and Hong Kong-based I.T Ltd.

"Hong Kong and Greater China are our key future markets and we are particularly impressed by the energy and sense of fashion here in Hong Kong," said the chairman and chief executive of French Connection Group, Stephen Marks.

"We plan to open three to four additional stores in Hong Kong within the next two years, and we are working through our joint venture partner to explore opportunities in the Mainland."

"We have had a presence in Hong Kong for over 27 years, primarily for sourcing and manufacturing, as well as some retailing through agents. We now feel that this is the right time to set up a dedicated store of our own."

The chief operating officer of French Connection Group, Neil Williams, said the 3,100 square foot (about 310 square metre) store in Festival Walk would be the company''s first flagship store in Hong Kong.

French Connection Group plc is an international fashion retailer and wholesaler operating in the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. It sells through 150 wholly-owned retail outlets, franchised and licensed stores as well as over 1,000 department stores and independent retailers.