Canadians like myself will be saddened by the news that Victoria’s Secret has no immediate plans to open stores in Canada. This, also, despite a recent takeover of La Senza:

Victoria’s Secret bras and panties aren’t likely to be available in La Senza stores (TSX:LSZ) despite its U.S. parent company’s deal to buy the Canadian lingerie retailer.

La Senza will continue to operate independently and there also aren’t any immediate plans for Victoria’s Secret to open its own stores in Canada, Laurence Lewin, president and chief operating officer of the Montreal-based company, said Thursday.

"The short answer is there’s no particular plan for Victoria’s Secret coming to Canada," Lewin told a conference call.

Asked if La Senza and Victoria’s Secret could co-exist in the Canadian market, Lewin replied: "There’s a lot less lingerie stores in Canada than there are fashion and clothing stores. It’s possible, but it’s not part of this strategy. I don’t think anybody is thinking about it at this time."…

"There’s going to be a period of testing the waters, seeing how different the market is, maybe there is some co-branding in stores that could be done or there’s certain locations that might be Victoria’s Secret and others La Senza," said Evans.

It also could be an opportunity for the La Senza banner to re-enter the U.S. market, she added.

She said it could be "six months to a year before we see anything" in terms of getting Victoria’s Secret lingerie into La Senza stores.

Retail analyst John Winter said Victoria’s Secret is an extraordinarily strong brand that could do well in Canada. Winter also said the deal is bad news for La Senza competitor La Vie en Rose. [CBC]

I am happy, though, that we may start to see Victoria’s Secret products in La Senza. I’ll take the consolation prize any day.

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