Mobile phone retailer EE will open 50 new stores in 2014 as it enters the next phase of its retail improvement programme.
The company, which will create around 350 new jobs with the roll-out, says it will take space on high-streets and retail parks.
“The High Street is working for us, and we are committed to operating the best shops, in the right locations,” said Deirdre Burns, EE Retail Director. “This is a truly exciting time for our business. Our retail team has played a key role in this success and we have no intention of standing still.”
EE say the 50 stores will feature a number of franchise outlets and will expand its franchise programme to 100 stores.
In addition to the new stores and jobs, EE will improve its digital channels, website and the My EE app. It will also invest millions of pounds to modernise stores and will introduce “innovative new formats” to attract new customers which hit the 2m mark earlier this month.
The company said in a statement that as part of the on-going programme, selected areas with multiple stores in close proximity to one another will see a closure of one of the stores. Customer advisors will be moved to the adjacent store, and affected store managers will be re-deployed where possible.
High-street footfall in December fell 3.7 per cent year-on-year – the sharpest decline since August 2012.
