The head of one of Libya's largest trading and retail groups told Reuters that sales had dropped by a fifth over the past three months, blaming consumer confidence.

A new 1,900 square metre Monoprix supermarket, around twice the size of the first store, has opened its doors in the capital.

The Husni Bey Group is preparing to open a 1,200m² retail outlet in Misrata early next year, the company told the Libya Monitor, with several international retail brands set to launch in the city. 

UK clothing retailer Debenhams opened its first store in Tripoli in early September, with plans for branches in other cities.

Tunisia's SNMVT, which last year formed a partnership to launch Monoprix supermarkets in Libya, plans to open its second branch in November and two more next year.

The photography and imaging firm has agreed partnership deals with two Libyan firms, and says that the country holds "tremendous potential".

Two Greek F&B franchises have signed agreements to open 10 stores each in Libya, with the first outlets expected to launch by the summer.

The franchise, which was originally expected to open its first store in late 2012, is the first internationally-branded food retailer in the Libyan market.

The Michele Peresso Group, which operates a range of retail franchises in Malta, is reportedly in the process of opening stores in Libya.

The Husni Bey group has reportedly finalised a contract to bring Monoprix supermarkets to Libya, with plans to open one store in Tripoli before the end of 2012 and several more in early 2013.

The local authorities in Sebha, the largest city in southern Libya, have organised a shopping festival in an effort to boost local businesses and trade.

The National Transitional Council (NTC) has established a new committee tasked with monitoring the prices and quality of goods sold to consumers on the local market.

A temporary committee formed by a local council in Tripoli has recently inspected local shops over worries that expired goods are being sold to consumers.

Libyan franchises of the US-based baked goods and ice cream stores opened recently in Tripoli, with more set to arrive later this year.

Senwan Trading, the Libyan franchisor of a number of international retail brands, has opened several new outlets in 2012 and plans to roll out more stores in Tripoli and Benghazi this year.