FASHION retailer Foschini Ltd said it expected to incur higher-than-forecast costs in the restructuring of its sports apparel unit Totalsports, adding that it was upbeat about long-term growth of the group amid an expected pick-up in domestic spending. ”We will incur greater costs than anticipated in turning Totalsports around, but we’re pleased with the progress,” Foschini Group Managing Director Dennis Polak told shareholders. ”The far-reaching changes implemented by the Foschini group recently are on plan and augur well for the long-term growth of the group,” he added. Foschini acquired Totalsports for R65m from Moresport Holdings in March this year, but has faced a tough task of turning the chain around and integrating it with its Sport Scene unit. Polak said Foschini aimed to grow the Totalsports/Sport Scene chain to more than 200 outlets from the current 140. Foschini, which reported headline earnings a share at 100.1 cents from 91.2 cents for the year to March 2000, also holds a long-term joint venture agreement with British football team Manchester United. The deal gives it exclusive right to supply and market Manchester United branded items across southern Africa. Polak said the first Manchester United store would open in Cape Town in October this year. – Reuters