Etam, a Paris-based lingerie retailer, with more than 1000 small stores throughout Europe, announced plans to open 15 much larger French stores in the next year. The company will stray from its traditional neighborhood units, which usually ranged from 2000 to 3000 square feet, for larger stores averaging 8000 to 10,000 square feet. The new stores, including a 45,000-square-foot flagship on Rue de Rivoli in Paris, will offer modern design, including video screens showcasing the latest collections, wood fixtures and white walls.
The retailer's five-year plan consists of rolling out 100 European stores. Its first Tokyo location will appear in the summer of 2001. Between 10 and 15 Japanese stores are expected to open within the next year, as well. The company already operates 100 stores in China, but there has been no word on development plans for the U.S.