BrightHouse to create new jobs
15 June 2011 10:02
Rent-to-buy retailer BrightHouse is to create 2,000 jobs over the next five years as it accelerates its store opening programme.
Private equity owner Vision Capital is increasing its new stores from 21 to 30 a year, with additional jobs expected at new distribution centres.
Speaking to The Times, chief executive Leo McKee said: "We've got 230 stores and our research says the UK can take up to 650. That compares with Superdrug on 920 and Argos on 800. It's amazing the places where we are currently not represented.
"If I go down the list in alphabetical order – Arbroath, Barnstaple, Bideford, Braintree, we can open a couple more in Bristol – you get the idea."
He added: "We've got 33 branches in Scotland but can get to 51. We're pushing in the West Country.
"We open this week in Yeovil, we have store openings coming up in Bridgewater and Weston-Super-Mare, then we will need a local distribution centre to service these places so we will be opening one in Exeter.
"We're probably one third of where we hope to be."
Commenting on current trading he said: "Trading is fairly strong although the fact of the matter is there is carnage on the high street."
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