House of Fraser is to polish up its homeware offer in September with the launch of a trendy Conran & Partners-designed range. The department store group's bolstering of its offer comes as competition intensifies in the home market.
Content by Conran, a 'contemporary' collection of upholstery, dining, cabinet and occasional furniture, will initially be available in 20 House of Fraser stores, increasing to 40 by 2005.
Marks & Spencer is preparing to open 25 standalone Lifestore outlets - the first of which is planned for Gateshead next spring - under the leadership of former Selfridges boss Vittorio Radice.
The average UK household spends£2,300 a year on home products, according to Verdict, and the figure is likely to rise by£600 over the next five years. By 2007, the home market is expected to account for£1 out of every£4 spent with retailers.
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