Baby brand set to boom in Russia

CLOTHING and nursery retailer Mamas & Papas has announced major plans to expand into Russia.

The Huddersfield-based company, whose customers include Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham, will be launching around 30 Mamas & Papas stores over a five-year period throughout Russia, concentrating mainly in the Moscow and St Petersburg area.

The company has set up a franchise agreement with F. D. Lab – owned and run by Moscow-based entrepreneur Alexander Lopatine – one of the top five players in the Russian apparel market.

Mamas & Papas, which recently won the “Rising Star of the Year” award for Franchising at the Retail Leisure Industry Awards ceremony in London, is gradually becoming a world leading brand in the nursery care sector.

The company, which has 32 stores in the UK and Ireland, including in York and Huddersfield, also has branches in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City and Doha.

The firm, also a wholesaler, was founded by David and Luisa Scacchetti 27 years ago and today it has a £110m turnover, employing 1,100 globally, of which 500 are in Huddersfield.

Deputy chief executive, Richard Faulkner said: “F.D. Lab has the right synergy with Mamas & Papas and understands the ongoing development of brands that are design led in their products and store environments. The flagship store in Moscow will closely emulate the design interior of the European flagship store on Regent Street.”

Alexander Lopatine, chief executive of F.D. Lab said: “We are pleased to welcome into our portfolio a new company within the area of luxury retail. The group enjoys high equity with its customers for service standards and we are confident of a successful debut by the brand in the region, providing parents to be with the additional option of truly a international product offering”.

F.D. Lab sells global brands through more than 600 outlets – including wholly-owned retail stores, multi-brand stores and franchises.

Close