Tile Giant is to ramp up its expansion plans to take on market leader Topps Tiles following its acquisition by Wickes owner Travis Perkins in November.

The retailer wants to up its store count from 32 to at least 100 over the next three years and increase turnover from£11 million to more than£100 million.

Tile Giant managing director Mo Iqbal said: “We want to challenge the market leader [Topps Tiles] and, with the backing of Travis Perkins, have pushed the button on expansion and are looking at opportunities. We will make a concerted effort to push further south and have recently opened in locations such as Kent.”

The tile specialist will refresh some of its existing stores and explore new product areas. “If you think about what else you find in a bathroom in terms of flooring, there are many different product areas we can move into. We already sell natural stone, so it is just an extension of our existing business,” Iqbal added.

Rival Topps Tiles wants to increase its 302-strong UK portfolio by 20 this year. For the 13 weeks from September 30, Topps’ revenue rose 6.9 per cent, with like-for-likes up 0.8 per cent.

Topps Tiles chief executive Matthew Williams conceded that the retail environment is challenging, but added: “Topps has always had competitors and we just need to keep offering the best prices and service.”

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