Last month, Bensons for Beds and Harveys unveiled new-concept stores on Wednesbury and Farnborough retail parks. 

The furniture group, which was recently struck by news of an accounting scandal at its parent company Steinhoff, lifted the lid on the new stores on the premium sites in the week before Christmas. 

Designed and fitted out with new boss Stuart Machin’s vision in mind, the shops have improved sightlines, merchandising and room sets.

Machin told Retail Week in an exclusive interview that, while the shops do not yet constitute the Harveys and Bensons blueprint, they represent a “step in the right direction”.  

As part of his new strategy, Machin is keen to make better use of store space – holding more stock and introducing pick-up lines. 

He is also restructuring the retailers’ pricing models and introducing everyday new prices. 

However, Machin has no plans to refurbish the entire estate. Rather, he said he will take the opportunity to improve stores as and when the opportunities arise.