Matalan has today shared an update on the success of its store refurbishment programme, following better than expected results as it continues to make progress on its ambitious business transformation.
Recently refurbished stores have seen footfall rise significantly since reopening and are currently outperforming the wider estate by 14% in terms of sales*. In some locations, including in Rhyl, Hull and Wrexham, sales are up by 20% on the same period last year. Customer satisfaction scores have also seen positive improvements.
As a result of the successful first phase of the refurbishment programme, Matalan plans to upgrade 40 stores next year. Updates to the stores include:
- Simplified layouts and better signage to guide the customer’s journey, with key in-store services such as fitting rooms and tills relocated to central, more accessible areas
- Brighter and more inviting interiors, thanks to upgraded LED lighting and expanded visual merchandising, all spearheaded by Matalan’s newly appointed Head of VM, Fran Theanne
- Enhanced curb appeal, including investments in car parks, new signage and improved external lighting to increase visibility on retail parks
- New concession partnerships in many refreshed stores to complement Matalan’s newly elevated core ranges, including popular womenswear brands Little Mistress, Blue Vanilla and Quiz, with others to follow
- Plans to roll-out new self-service tills with more intuitive software early next year, enabling faster transactions, self-serve click & collect and an overall much improved checkout experience
The upgrades form part of a £25m investment to modernise Matalan’s full estate over the next three to five years and are focused on creating an easier and more enjoyable shopping experience for customers seeking every day style, quality and value.
Katherine Davis, chief retail officer at Matalan, said: “Whether it’s brighter interiors, faster tills or a nicer experience parking your car, we’re listening and investing in what matters most to our customers. The results speak for themselves – higher footfall, happier shoppers and even more compelling reasons to visit your local Matalan. This all ladders up to delivering a better experience for our customers – as well as our colleagues on the shop floor – and winning market share, which is central to our ambitious business transformation.”
In addition, Matalan has announced the appointment of Steve Ridehalgh as Director of International. Reporting into Katherine Davis, Steve will be responsible for Matalan’s international growth strategy as part of the second phase of Matalan’s turnaround. Steve joins the business with significant experience in overseas expansion and franchise development, having been responsible for the global expansion of Oasis and Warehouse.
