Content about Russia

Richardson, Texas -- Chain restaurant Wingstop announced Tuesday it has executed a master development deal that will facilitate about 50 unit openings in Russia, the first opening in Moscow.

The chicken wing purveyor -- with more than 530 locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico -- signed a master development agreement with Baxtor Limited for 50 Wingstop restaurants to be opened throughout Russia over the next 10 years.

The first location is expected to open in Moscow by the end of 2013.

Economic uncertainty throughout Europe and the United States and political instability in the Middle East are putting an increased spotlight on developing markets, which are forging full-speed ahead and show no signs of slowing down, according to the 11th annual Global Retail Development Index by consulting firm A.T. Kearney.

Amid an uneven and slow recovery at home and financial volatility in established European markets, U.S. chain retailers are increasingly looking to emerging global markets to expand operations, increase overall revenues and gain a competitive advantage. The reasons are obvious: Consumer spending is on the rise in many of these areas, boosted by, in some instances for the first time ever, a growing middle class. Equally important, emerging markets present significant opportunities for store growth.


New York - Wal-Mart Stores sees more opportunity in emerging markets than in Europe, the company’s international CEO Doug McMcMillion told Bloomberg.

“China is top of the list, and Brazil is not far behind” to make deals, McMillon said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “InBusiness With Margaret Brennan.” The retailer is being “patient” about finding the right way to expand in Russia, McMillon said.