Marks & Spencer (M&S), present in India through a 51:49 Joint Venture with Reliance Retail is planning to open 10 new stores in the country over the next 6-8 months.

In keeping with the new program ‘Concept 11’, announced earlier this year by M&S, which entails overhauling of stores and merchandise, the existing 24 outlets of M&S in India will be redesigned. The first of such revamped store will be rolled out in Chennai this year.

The UK based retailer has already tasted success with ‘Concept 11’ in the home market, reporting a 2.6% increase in sale at its revamped stores.

As reported in the media, M&S does not intend to buy out its partner and has no plans to operate individually under the now permitted FDI in single-brand retail option. Reportedly Jan Heere, head of International operations of M&S has stated that the Company prefers to grow internationally through partnerships. Reliance provides the local know-how, logistics and real estate expertise among other benefits to its British partner.

M&S, which currently operates 400 stores in 46 countries, has listed India along with China, Russia and the Middle East as the future growth areas.