Joe Fresh to open nearly 700 shops at U.S. retailer J.C. Penney

TORONTO -- Joe Fresh is continuing its push into the competitive U.S. retail market with a newly-inked deal with J.C. Penney.

The affordable apparel brand will partner with the U.S. retailer in opening nearly 700 dedicated Joe Fresh shops in newly renovated J.C. Penney stores across America next spring.

The shops will range in size from about 90 to 230 square metres and are set to open next April.

Each of the locations will feature merchandise from the brand's spring 2013 line, including dresses, T-shirts, denim and silk blouses.

Creative director Joe Mimran said in a statement on Wednesday that they were extremely proud to partner with "one of America's most iconic department stores."

The newly announced move is the latest in Joe Fresh's ongoing expansion south of the border.

The Canadian brand opened a temporary summer location in East Hampton, N.Y., last year. Joe Fresh has six stores in New Jersey, New York and Long Island.

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  People take their seats on the runway for the Joe Fresh collection during the 2012 Toronto Fashion Week in Toronto on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)