Trade retailer Screwfix has plans to open more than 50 stores this year – 40 in the UK and 10 in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), creating around 600 new jobs by the end of January 2022.
It’s also significantly revised its target for overall store numbers upwards to over 900 in the UK and ROI, having identified, it said, opportunities for further outlets in inner cities and rural catchment areas.
The company currently has 711 stores in the UK and 12 stores in Ireland employing 11,643 people.
In a statement, the company said: “The new stores will bring Screwfix even closer to its busy tradespeople, many of whom have played a crucial role in keeping homes warm, safe and with power throughout the pandemic.”
Screwfix, supported by its parent company Kingfisher, has opened, on average, one store per week for the last five years.
Earlier this year, Kingfisher announced that Screwfix had reached annual sales of £2 billion for the first time, just five years after reaching sales of £1 billion.
The company’s focus on eCommerce is said to have helped fuel this rapid growth – using “its stores as fulfilment centres for Click & Collect deliveries, which have surged during the pandemic”.
John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be opening 50 new stores this year, creating 600 jobs. The growing demand for convenience means we now see scope for over 900 stores in the UK & Ireland, which will help our busy customers get their jobs done.
“We know that time is money for our customers and these new stores enable us to provide our customers with added convenience and certainty and provide even more job opportunities for local communities when they need it most.”
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