US sportswear and outdoor brand Columbia plans to open in the UK.

Columbia, which has also begun opening stores in the US, is looking at options for both full-price and factory outlet stores in the UK. It is in talks for a store at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks factory outlet to open next month.

It is thought it has hired Harper Dennis Hobbs to advise in the UK and is searching for a central London store for its flagship.

It is looking at Covent Garden and Notting Hill, as well as streets such as Oxford Street for a 2,000 sq ft-3,000 sq ft store.

Once Columbia is established in London, it will look at options for provincial expansion for full-price stores.

It will also open further factory outlet stores.

It already sells its brand through wholesale accounts in retailers such as Snow & Rock and Cotswolds, which have sold well, leading it to plan store openings in the UK.

It sells its products in 72 countries and has sales of $450m (£275m).

Source: http://www.propertyweek.com, 31.10.2008.