// The Works hires property consultants GCW to help it find stores to launch across the UK
// The value retailer currently has 530 stores across the UK
The Works has appointed property consultancy firm GCW as it seeks to expand its store estate across the UK.
The craft and stationery retailer hopes GCW could help it find stores to launch across the south east of England.
The Works currently has 530 stores trading across the UK, and is considering opportunities in towns across the South East for new outlets or relocations as part of the ongoing management of its UK wide store portfolio.
READ MORE: The Works sales skyrocket 81% during Covid-19 lockdown
The retailer will seek to launch in prime locations or shopping centres with store sizes ranging between 1500sq ft to 2000sq ft, with 500sq ft of ancillary space.
“I look forward to working with GCW in these exciting times for our business,” The Works property director Jeremy Smith said.
“We have had great success opening stores in this part of the country and I am keen to further optimise our store locations in this key region as part of the ongoing management of our whole portfolio.”
Meanwhile, GCW said it is already engaged in talks with a number of landlords.
In May, The Works saw its online sales more than triple during the coronavirus lockdown as its stores remain closed.
The retailer said its like-for-like sales in stores and online increased by a colossal 81 per cent in the week to March 22.
Revenue rose by 3.5 per cent year-on-year for the 12 months to April 26.
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