// Kingfisher has opened 87 stores in the past 12 months, pushing it closer to its goal of 1,000 branches
// It now has 870 shops across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and France
Screwfix is nearing its ambition to open more than 1,000 stores across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France as it pushes full steam ahead with its store expansion strategy.
The DIY retailer opened 87 stores in the past 12 months across the region, bringing the total number of branches to 870.
Screwfix opened its first five stores in France this year following the successful launch of its French website.
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The latest openings, which have created more than 800 jobs, continue the retailer’s record of opening one store per week for the last 10 years.
Chief executive John Mewett said: “The ongoing expansion of our network ensures we continue to bring Screwfix ever closer to our customers.
“In response to sustained demand from tradespeople across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, we have accelerated our store opening program so that our customers are always near a Screwfix store.
“Our latest store openings are testament to the hard work of our colleagues, and we are delighted to have created more than 800 jobs within the local communities our stores serve.”
Screwfix owner Kingfisher was forced to slash £10 million from the upper end of its profit guidance due to struggles with rising wages and energy bills.
It’s full-year adjusted pre-tax profit is now expected to come within the range of £730 million to £760 million.
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