Hamleys, the UK toy retailer, said it plans to set up shop in China after signing a franchise deal with Daud Investments LLC to open a store in Dubai, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a company official.

The report cited Hamleys chief executive Nick Mather as saying that executives are talking with local retailers and other companies in China, as well as in India, about setting up stores through similar franchise agreements.

""We need to find the right partner obviously, but we would hope to get either China or India signed up next year and develop the business thereafter, "" Mather said.

Hamleys, majority owned by Icelandic investment company Baugur Group HF, is best known for its 4,650 square meter seven-floor flagship store on Regent Street in London, with live and interactive demonstrations.

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