The Limited will enter the men’s apparel business.

The Columbus, Ohio-based company, which is one of the nation’s largest retailers of women’s clothing, announced plans to enter the men’s retail clothing market this year. At the company’s annual stockholders meeting, Chairman Leslie H. Wexner said the new line of men’s apparel will be distributed through 15 “Express Man” stores, the first of which will open later this year. Previously, Wexner said he was not interested in selling men’s clothing. Explained Wexner: “We changed our minds, and the change was driven by our customers.”