MADRID -- Chinese technology company Xiaomi continued its expansion in Spain with the opening of two new stores this weekend.

Located in Guadalajara and Gerona, the shops are franchises and form part of the "Preferred Store" strategy which will see Xiaomi open around 20 stores in Spain before the end of the year, the company said in a statement.

"With the implementation of this model of franchise in Spain with the opening of these two Preferred Stores, Xiaomi continues to see its presence in Spain, where it already has 11 stores, grow," explained the company, stressing its commitment to Spain.

Xiaomi's popularity in Spain was highlighted on Aug 30 when its new POCOPHONE F1 smartphone sold out just 13 minutes after being launched on the Spanish version of its website Mi.com.

Xiaomi is currently the fourth largest smartphone producer in the world.