Jessica Simpson to open first boutique within a year

(Photo:www.marieaustralia.com)

The 'With You' hitmaker — who currently sells her eponymous clothing brand in Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Dillard's and online — announced earlier this month that she was set to open her first store after signing a deal with Sequential Brands, who have turned her business into a billion-dollar company by buying a majority stake.

The 34-year-old singer turned fashion designer is now said to have put the plans ''in motion'' and will have launched her debut boutique by this time next year.

A source told US Weekly: ''It's not going to be all at once. Everything's in motion now though.''

It is thought the first stores will be rolled out in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York before the blonde beauty returns to her native Texas to open a fourth.

A close friend of the star said: ''She's so excited! She's always wanted her own stores. It's amazing and is a dream come true.''

Jessica — who has Maxwell, three and Ace, 23 months, with her husband Eric Johnson — was thrilled to team up with Sequential and expand her brand and now believes there is no limit to their success.

She said in a statement: ''I am extremely honoured to partner with Sequential Brands Group to continue the growth and integrity of the Jessica Simpson Collection.

''There is no limit to our success… Here's to the next billion.''

The pretty star is now thought to be worth around $150 million after signing the lucrative deal back in April.