The Range expansion ploughs on

Plymouth-based retailer The Range has continued its expansion plans as it opened four stores in a week, including two on the same day.

Chris Dawson, the founder of the home, leisure and garden retailer, opened new stores in Burton upon Trent and Kings Lynn, as well as officially opening the Broadstairs shop in Kent, which began trading at the beginning of October.

Another store in Aldershot was also opened on 4 November.

Dawson said: "The opening of four stores in one week is a great achievement for The Range this year, but it won't be the last, that I can guarantee you. We have more surprises and achievements in store for next year so watch this space."

Another store is also set to open in Barnsley later this month.

Turnover increased by 18 per cent at The Range for the year ended 30 January 2011, Insider reported in October.

Sales rose to £249.4m, compared with £211.9m in the previous 12 months, driven by the opening of nine new stores.

The company said it is aiming to have almost 80 stores by the end of 2012.

Pre-tax profits at the home, leisure and garden retailer remained steady at £20.3m, after almost doubling from £10.2m between 2009 and 2010.

Source : Insider Media South-West
www.insidermedia.com/insider/south-west/61491-range-expansion-ploughs/