Longchamp continue expansion with Regent Street store

French luxury brand Longchamp has stepped up its global expansion and has signed up to open a large flagship store in Regent Street.

The French brand, known for its distinctive handbags, has agreed a deal to take over Quiksilver's 5,000 square foot shop at 229 Regent Street.

The deal is its second this year - it has just opened a shop in Westfield London. Its sales in London, driven by tourists, have seen a rise in the past year.

Regent Street is fast becoming a more upmarket street with recent openings including Burberry and Michael Kors.

Longchamp was advised by retail agent Leslie Perkins.

The Paris based, and privately owned, group plans to open the store by the summer.

It is part of a global expansion which includes China, South America and Europe. It has this week opened its eighth, and largest, Hong Kong store.

Despite some luxury brands showing signs of a slowdown in sales from Chinese customers, Longchamp has said it has experienced no slowdown and eventually plans up to 50 shops in China in the longer term.

Its first London store opened in Bond Street more than ten years ago.