Bookseller will double size of distribution centre
Bookseller Borders is in line to meet its strategy to open seven superstores this year following the launch of a 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m) store in Gateshead.

The outlet, in Team Valley Retail Park, is the third to open in the Northeast in just over a year.

Leases have already been signed for superstores in Cardiff and Nottingham, with a number of other sites under negotiation.

This summer, the company will also double the size of its distribution centre in Cornwall to cope with the increased demand.

Borders managing director Philip Downer announced the strategy last year to open a minimum of seven superstores a year in the foreseeable future. By the end of the first year, the company had opened nine across the UK.

The store opening in Newcastle takes the company to more than 540 superstores worldwide.

The company also reported positive growth over the Christmas period. 'Our growth was better than our competitors, who reported negative growth, and we did not need to resort to a price war to do it,' said a Borders spokesperson.