McDonald’s has said it may open up to 200 outlets in China during 2011, as consumer spending rises in the strong economy. The chain said the plans will see its local investment rise by 40% during the year, up from 25% this year, when it opened a record 165 restaurants.
The chain said most of the investment will be used to open new restaurants and revamp existing ones, include the conversion of outlets to its new ‘LIM’ (Less Is More) design. The new concept, which features bright colours and soft seats, had been launched at four outlets in Beijing, and McDonald’s said it plans to ramp that to 100 outlets by end-2011, and to 80% of all its outlets by 2013.
The chain operates more than 1,100 stores in China, and aims to have 2,000 outlets operational by 2013.
The growth is being prompted by surging sales at fast-food outlets in the country, which last year rose an estimated 12% to RMB60 billion (US$9 billion) according to Euromonitor International.
Kam City reports McDonald’s has a 16% share of the market, trailing market leader Yum! Brands, which has a 40% share.