Office World set to add 30 outlets in three years

Office World directors believe the retailer could more than double its store numbers in the UK to 120 in the next few years.

The stationery and office supplies specialist wants to continue to expand in Britain and will refurbish its existing 55 shops.

Chief executive officer Andy Etherington said the retailer plans to open 30 stores in the next three years, and in the long-term the chain could grow to 120.

Office World will open a store using its new design blueprint in Stockton, Teesside, next Saturday. Two more planned openings will also adopt this model.

Etherington said that the design, tested in four refurbished stores, has generated respectable sales uplifts. He said: 'We still have a bit of tweaking to do before we embark on a push through the whole chain.

But you have to give customers an environment that they want to shop in.'

Office World is also working on a project to improve its supply chain and ensure better stock management. The retailer is implementing Web-based EDI (electronic data interface) to communicate with its suppliers.

Staples, Office World's arch-rival, is also planning a big expansion in the next few years, and aims to hit 250 stores.

Retail Knowledge Bank research director Robert Clark said: 'Office World is very much second to Staples, but there's a significant market that can be tapped into in smaller catchment areas. Office World's smaller format is better suited to that.'