New Look, the leading UK fast fashion retailer, is pleased to announce the signing of a new Middle East regional franchise agreement with the Landmark Group, one of the largest retail groups in the Middle East and India. The agreement will involve the opening of 40 stores over the next 5 years. These new stores will be located throughout the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Jordan. New Look took the decision to further expand  its franchise in the Middle East following the success of a trial store in Deira City Centre, Dubai. This was its first partnership with the Landmark Group and opened in September 2006.   The size and shop fit of these stores will reflect the latest store roll-out in UK, and will typically be between 15,000 and 20,000 sq ft in space. The majority of stores will carry the full New Look product offer, encompassing Ladieswear, Footwear and Accessories, Lingerie, Kids, Generation 915 and Menswear. The first two stores to open will be in Kuwait in April and in Saudi Arabia in September. Carl McPhail, MD Marketing, Operations and International of New Look, commented: “We are delighted to have signed this regional franchise agreement with the Landmark Group, following the very successful opening of a trial store in Dubai. We believe that there is strong demand across the Middle East for New Look’s exciting and fashionable offerings at great value, and believe that such demand will support the rollout of 40 stores over the next five years.”