Leading North East-headquartered online flooring retailer, Connection Retail, is targeting continued growth and job creation with the launch of further stores across the UK.
Already well established, the company’s initial, Birtley-based, store has seen tremendous support from local trade customers.
Following its success, the company announced openings in Coventry, Thurrock and Bracknell for both trade and public markets, with plans in place to open its fifth branch, in York, in August.
Connection Retail is investing £300,000 in the launches, which have the potential to create more than 10 jobs, and plans to take its store count to five by the end of 2017.
Each branch opening strengthens the Direct Wood Flooring brand as it makes the transition from online only to creating a physical presence through the UK.
Direct Wood Flooring offers a huge range of solid and engineered wood, luxury vinyl tiles and laminate flooring. The stores will also feature a select line of products from their sister company Grass Direct; the UKs largest selection of artificial grass.
Dan Foskett, Managing Director of Connection Retail, said: “The store launches are significant investments for the company as we look to increase our geographical presence in the UK. By operating a number of commercial counters in various regions this will also strengthen our links across the country, while maintaining a strong online presence.”
Established in 2012, Connection Retail, which comprises four retail companies, delivers cost-effective flooring and outdoor furniture solutions for commercial and domestic markets, including wood flooring, artificial grass, rugs, vinyl, carpets, rattan lounge sets, teak wood dining sets and other popular outdoor furnishings. The company operates its own transport fleet from six distribution centres across the UK.
County Durham-based Connection Retail currently employs in excess of 90 employees, with the firm expected to increase this figure to over 100 by the close of the year, as a result of the continued investment in new locations.
Dan added: “We are hoping to launch further stores in the coming months, building on this period of positivity, and to create more job opportunities at each branch, as well as to support our head office and transport operations. I am excited by the future of the company, and looking forward to building thriving stores across the UK.”