Topshop plans three New York stores

By Rachel Sanderson

LONDON (Reuters) - British fast fashion retailer Topshop plans to launch three stores in Manhattan following the success of supermodel Kate Moss's collection for the chain, its owner Philip Green said on Monday.

Green told Reuters sales of the first clothes range by Moss were "very good" in the week since it went on sale in the United States at upmarket department store Barney's.

It was now a natural progression to launch Topshop stores with a full range of its inexpensive, fashionable clothes.

"We are looking for sites this week but realistically nine months is the time horizon to get a store sorted and opened," Green said in a telephone interview.

Green, one of Britain's most successful retailers, added he was also scouting for real estate in Paris with the aim of opening a Topshop flagship store there in the next few months.

However, he denied reports of a Topshop listing on the back of any U.S. launch. Bankers estimate the fashion chain is worth around 2 billion pounds ($3.96 billion).

Moss, who cut a 3 million pound deal with Topshop, is the latest celebrity hired by a retailer to help win an increasingly competitive battle for fashion-savvy mid-market shoppers.

Madonna is now starring at H&M and will soon be followed at the Swedish chain by Kylie Minogue, while up and coming singer Lily Allen has struck a deal with Britain's New Look.