Footwear and apparel player Woodland today said it will open exclusive stores in select foreign markets later this year, marking its foray into single-brand retailing overseas.

The home-grown firm is in advanced stages of negotiations in some markets like the Middle East, South-East Asia and Sri Lanka for selecting local franchise partners and said it will have three to four exclusive outlets abroad by the year-end.

"We are on the verge of concluding negotiations and opening our first exclusive outlets in overseas markets. By end of 2010, we will have at least a total of 3-4 outlets overseas," Woodland Managing Director Harkirat Singh told PTI.

He said the company will be using the franchise route for its international expansion.

"Different countries follow different rules regarding investment in retail business. In such a situation, franchise partnership is a good option. Besides, that way the local partner makes the investment," Singh said.

Woodland is present in over 600 multi-branded outlets in the Middle East, Singapore and Thailand.

Asked about the company's long-term plans, he said: "We will go ahead slowly taking one step at a time to expand our exclusive retail presence, while continuing to grow in multi- branded stores."

Woodland has 350 exclusive stores across India, besides presence in over 3,000 multi-branded outlets.