Electricals retailer Comet plans a total of 150 out-of-town megastores on the back of a store replacement programme, according to managing director Rob Cissell.
The strategy is part of an overhaul of the£1.2 billion turnover business, which may also include the creation of a high street digital technology fascia within three years.
Comet has opened 43 'try before you buy' destination megastores averaging 2,320 sq m since 1999. The stores now generate more than 25 per cent of turnover at the 260-strong chain, which is owned by Kingfisher.
It now intends to open another 77 megastores over the next five years, many of which will replace existing smaller shops.
Cissell said Comet has identified 150 sites, all of which will receive the 'Destination 2' design introduced in August.
D2 stores include clearer signage to enable better navigation, while product is arranged to allow clearer sight-lines, so customers can locate product categories more easily.
Six D2 format destination stores have opened, most recently a 2,320 sq m outlet in Stockton to replace a smaller 745 sq m store.
Cissell also said changes to 50 older stores have produced an average increase in like-for-like sales of 3 per cent.
Meanwhile, Cissell said Comet could make a return to the high street in the next three years with a store aimed at cashing in on the rise of digital technology.
He believes there is scope on the high street for a 50- to 70-strong chain selling high-ticket goods.
The project is still in the early planning stage.
No comments yet