Toolstation continues growth plan with 200th branch opening

Toolstation, one of the fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies to the trade and home improvement industry, has opened its 200th branch since its launch in 2003, in an expansion programme that will see 210 stores trading in the UK by the end of the year.

The 200th Toolstation branch is based in Newton Abbot - the fourth to open in Devon, extending the company’s presence in the South West. Toolstation also has sizeable estate networks in a number of large cities, with over 40 branches within the M25 and 11 in the West Midlands, as well as branches in many other towns and cities nationwide.
With each branch opening creating seven new jobs, Toolstation has now employed over 1400 people in its branches alone, with over 500 in its head office and distribution centres. The roll out of new branches is set to continue to reach the 210 target by the end of 2015, with further expansion planned for 2016.

Craig Higgins, Retail Director at Toolstation, commented: “The opening of our 200th branch is a real landmark in what has proved to be a year of strong growth and it is great to see our network expanding across the UK. Our ultimate aim is to provide a great multi-channel customer experience at conveniently located branches, online or on our mobile website.

“In addition to the continued development of our branch network, this year has seen the launch of our online Click & Collect service to help meet our customers’ needs. What’s more, in response to the increasing use of smartphones and mobile devices, we have recently introduced Paypal onto the company’s mobile app. This mobile platform also allows customers to check stock, buy online and collect from their chosen branch just an hour later. We look forward to continued growth whilst retaining the low cost model approach that appeals to our customers.”

The success of Toolstation's branch programme has resulted in an increasing requirement for new branches. The company is continually on the lookout for new sites to hit its growth goals and finding the right location is crucial to successfully opening 210 branches by the end of 2015.

Adam Keates, Commercial Resources Director, who leads the expansion programme explained: “We are competing for space with other growing businesses – not just in the building sector – and we also have to take into account potential customers and their needs when considering new properties. Naturally, we look at the catchment of any potential location; at the same time you cannot beat going to an industrial park and making an assessment of how many people from the building trades are already visiting it, and whether it is easy to find and to access.”

The Toolstation offering is designed for customer convenience, giving them fast access to the products they need. Branches are open seven days a week, with opening times from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 9-4 on a Sunday, meaning that tradespeople can visit at times that suit them. Orders placed at home or on site by 7pm Monday to Saturday can be delivered to UK addresses next business day, with free delivery on orders over £10. At the heart of its customer experience is Toolstation’s low cost model that provides a fast, simple buying process in branch and online, allowing cost-savings to be passed onto the customer.

Source : Toolstation Press Release