Screwfix has announced its ambitious plan to open up to 85 new stores across the UK, Ireland, and France by the end of January 2024, creating hundreds jobs in local communities.
The home improvement retailer, which has its headquarters in Somerset, recently announced plans to open 60 new stores as it continued its expansion with an acquisition and entered new European markets.
However, the Yeovil-based retailer has now ramped up its expansion plan following a record year of store openings in 2022, including its first five stores in France, with the total number of store openings for the year reaching 87, across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France.
The move is set to create more than 800 new jobs and will bring the retailer closer to its 1,000 UK and Ireland store target, with 870 currently open.
Chief executive John Mewett, said: “We know how busy tradespeople are and how important it is to be able to find a Screwfix store close to their jobs. In response to sustained demand from tradespeople across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, we are driving forward with our store opening program with the plan to open up to 85 stores this year.
“These expansion plans are making Screwfix even more accessible to tradespeople, ensuring they can get their job done quickly, affordably, and right first time. This is a very exciting time to be part of Screwfix as we continue to grow and deliver on our ambitions. I look forward to welcoming new colleagues to our stores over the course of this year.”
Screwfix’s expansion plan will create new jobs, including retail assistants, assistant managers, and branch managers. As an approved training provider, colleagues in the UK and Republic of Ireland can participate in the retailer’s apprenticeship scheme and join the 850 apprentices currently training across the business.
In March this year Screwfix saved 400 Birmingham jobs after it bought Connect Distribution Services, which is headquartered in Small Heath, out of administration for £3m.
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