Pumpkin Patch on expansion trail

New Zealand-based childrenswear company Pumpkin Patch has unveiled plans to open more than 20 stores in four countries by the end of 2006.
Managing director Maurice Prendergast said countries being targeted included Australia, the UK and the US.
"Australia continues to offer opportunites to open stores in areas that currently have either no or little Pumpkin Patch presence," he said.
"The company plans to open another 10 stores here, including two outlet stores, in 2006."
A further six stores will open their doors in prominent shopping locations in the UK over the coming year. While reluctant to divulge too many details about the planned expansion, Prendergast did add that the company was also exploring "new wholesale and direct markets" in the region.
The company has confirmed leases on three additional stores in the US - two of which are in Los Angeles and the other in the San Francisco Bay area. It is expected that these three stores will also open in 2006.
On home ground one new Pumpkin Patch store and two new outlet stores have also been confirmed for 2006.