Value retailer QD Stores has acquired east of England discount chain Thingmebobs.

QD has bought the Suffolk-based chain which has a turnover of £6.5m and employs over 100 staff at 11 stores.

Under QD ownership, the Thingmebobs chain will continue to trade under its own name. Co-founder Colin Lawrence will take on a senior management role within QD.

QD said no redundancies are planned following the acquisition.

The acquisition brings the retailer’s store estate to 49 shops under the QD, Lathams of Potter Heigham and Cherry Lane Garden Centre brands.

QD Stores group managing director, Justin Farrington Smith said: “Thingmebobs offers quality, value products from established outlets staffed by a committed, long-serving workforce, making this acquisition a natural fit with tremendous mutual synergy.

“This deal takes our group into market towns we have long aspired to attain a presence in.”

QD reported like-for-like sales over the Christmas trading period rose by 8.2%.