Guess currently operates 330 stores outside of North America, and the Los Angeles-based company is looking to expand in both Asia and Europe, Alberini says. In Asia, Guess is particularly concentrating on China and Japan, and it recently bought back its licensing rights from a firm in South Korea. "Asia is a major focus for us," he says.

The retailer is looking to expand virtually all over Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Last year the company opened 34 units in Europe and an additional 33 are planned for 2006. Meanwhile, Guess also plans to get a larger a larger foothold in Mexico.

The company, which primarily targets consumers in their teens to late 20s, also plans further expansion domestically and in Canada, where it currently operates 320 stores. Eventually Guess could open about 350 more of its namesake units in this country. It's Marciano stores, of which it operates 15 in North America and are geared toward a slightly older and wealthier demographic, have the potential for a about 200 units, Alberini says.

As it expands, Guess has touted some strong financial numbers as of late. Sales per-sf at Guess stores area about $400 and at Marciano they have reached the $600 mark, according to executives. Same-store sales were up 13.9% year over year during its latest quarter, which ended April 1. And comparable sales have risen by an average of 9% over the last three years, Alberini points out.