Screwfix has announced plans to open 80 new shops across the UK and Ireland, in a move that will create 800 jobs.
The hardware chain said it wants to open the new branches by January next year.
It comes after Screwfix saw its sales boosted by the lockdown DIY boom, as Brits turned to home renovations at a time when pubs, restaurants and shops were closed.
Hardware stores were allowed to stay open as an “essential retailer” during the Covid pandemic.
Screwfix and B&Q owner Kingfisher recorded profits of more than £1billion last year, as the DIY boom seen through the pandemic continued.
However, its Screwfix stores reported a drop in sales in the three months to the end of January, falling by 4.2% in that period.
The chain will be recruiting sales assistants and management roles for its new stores as well as giving new recruits the chance to join its apprenticeship scheme.
The expansion will create vacancies across the UK - but Screwfix hasn't yet revealed the locations of where the 80 new shops will be.
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Screwfix opened 70 new shops in 2021 and will have 870 branches in total by the end of its expansion plans.
The boss of the DIY chain said its expansion plans are responding to sustained demand from tradespeople who need tools.
While last month, the boss of Kingfisher said the post-pandemic shift to working from home would continue to fuel the DIY boom.
Screwfix 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 site.
"In opening more stores across the UK and Ireland, we're making Screwfix even more accessible to tradespeople, ensuring they can get their job done quickly, affordably and right first time.
"We're also delighted to be having a positive impact on local communities, creating more than 800 jobs for local people."
In March, Screwfix announced it was increasing minimum staff pay by 5.4% to £9.70 an hour, coming into affect from April 1 and just above the new legal minimum wage of £9.50.
This applies to workers who are aged 23 and over.
For those aged between 21 and 22, the minimum wage is £9.18 and the minimum age for 18 to 20-year-olds is £6.83.
The minimum wage for under-18s is £4.81 and the minimum age for apprentices is also £4.81.
