Merchants may be interested to note that Screwfix has opened its 600th store – with the Kingfisher plc business having added 100 new stores to its network in the past 18 months alone.
The multi-channel retailer says it continues to focus on delivering convenience for busy tradespeople through its expanding network. Since opening its first store in Yeovil in 2005, Screwfix has grown significantly, with 97% of the UK population said to be within a 30-minute drive from their nearest store. It is on track to open 50 stores in 2018, with plans for “many more” in 2019.
Located in Hoddesdon, its 600th store officially opened its doors on 20th September. Like all Screwfix stores, it is open seven days a week and the business states that its “focus on customers and convenience – with extended opening hours, Click & Collect, next day delivery and award-winning 24/7 contact centre – is a major contributing factor to its fast growth rate”, and has also earned it high profile awards including Retail Week’s ‘Best Retailer’ and ‘Digital Pioneer’ in 2018.
Reflecting the changing sales environment, Screwfix’s digital capabilities are also being used by its parent-company, Kingfisher plc, to develop “leading ecommerce platforms in its stores and back of house systems across Europe, as part of its ambitious five-year transformation programme’’.
John Mewett, CEO of Screwfix, said: “We’re immensely proud to be opening our 600th Screwfix store. It represents a major milestone in our ambitions to offer the ultimate in fast, high quality customer service for our tradespeople, who need a responsive service, seven days a week. We are continuing to invest in our stores alongside our digital offering to ensure our customers can get the products they need, when they need them. Our continued growth is testament to the loyalty of our fantastic customers who continue to be at the forefront of our business.’’
Screwfix started life as the Woodscrew Supply Company in 1979. Today, the company states that its store network is visited by 7.8m customers a year whilst Screwfix.com receives 5 million unique visitors each week. Its Click & Collect service has already received more than 27 million orders.
Pictured: As a partner of the EFL, Screwfix was delighted to have two well-loved players – former England Captain Stuart Pearce, and renowned striker Geoff Horsfield – join in the celebrations for the opening of its 600th store.
