Poundstretcher in space drive

Discounter Poundstretcher is to open bigger shops to enable it to offer a bigger and better range. The retailer will extend its outlets at Milton Keynes and Sunderland this year to form its first 1,400 sq m stores. The average store size is 700 sq m, although there is a 1,115 sq m shop in Bolton.

'When we trial 15,000 sq ft [1,400 sq m) and it works, we'll push the boundaries out a bit further,' said chief executive Angus Monro.

Poundstretcher has identified 88 stores where mezzanine floors could be installed.