MELBOURNE born retailer The Reject Shop has issued a major leasing requirement to prospective landlords, in an attempt to further expand its national network.

The discount retailer, which last month reported an $18.9 million half-year profit, and has enjoyed a buoyant business because of the bleak economic backdrop, has targeted locations in every state and territory including the Northern Territory, the only major region it does not trade.

A leasing requirement document issued by the Reject Shop says its strategy is to grow by at least 20 stores a year.