UK-based retailers Next and Debenhams are likely to seek new partnerships to expand more aggressively in India, said sources familiar with the development. The two retailers entered the market five years ago through a franchise deal with Planet Retail but have only a few operating stores in a growth market like India. The LSE-listed Next – poised to end ties with Planet Retail since the current partner is not keen on renewing a deal – has initiated talks with potential business partners including DLF, said one of the sources mentioned earlier. Such big expansion plan of the companies will bring in a fresh business opportunity for the signage companies dealing in in-store/in-shop displays and graphics.
