Urban is also launching the first store this year for its Leifsdottir wholesale clothing label. That women's label is currently sold in 65 specialty and department stores across the country.

For its biggest chains, the 155-unit Urban Outfitters and the 137-location Anthropologie, the company is opening about 45 new locations. The retailer plans more growth in Europe, and management expects to start planning expansion into Asia, where stores are expected some time in 2012 or 2013.

The expansion plans were announced after Urban completed a very strong fourth quarter. Sales at stores open at least a year rose 4%, they were up 10% at Anthtropologie and 11% at its 34-unit Free People chain. Same-store sales at the company's namesake chain were flat.