Screwfix continues expansion despite challenges of Covid-19

Screwfix continues expansion despite challenges of Covid-19

• 30 new stores planned for the UK, creating around 300 jobs
• More than 10 new stores planned in Republic of Ireland

(PRESS RELEASE) YEOVIL, 26-Aug-2020 — /EuropaWire/ — Screwfix, United Kingdom’s largest multi channel retailer of trade tools, accessories and hardware products, announces its plan to open 40 stores this year, creating around 400 new jobs in local communities. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the new openings demonstrate continued growth of the business and a growing demand for convenience.

30 new stores in the UK will create up to 300 jobs in areas such as retail management, service assistants and supervisor roles, by the end of January 2021. More than 10 stores are planned in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), which will create up to 160 jobs over the same period.

As an essential retailer, Screwfix adapted its proposition in order to remain open during the lockdown to allow its customers to safely access the products they need.

The rapid growth of Screwfix has seen the trade retailer open at least 50 stores a year for the past decade, making it one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK. It now has more than 680 stores, with a long-term target of 800 in the UK. Screwfix currently has five stores in the ROI, which opened in early 2020. The business hopes to open up to 40 stores in the ROI over the coming years, creating around 400 jobs in total.

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “Throughout the coronavirus crisis customer and colleague safety has been our number one priority. I am incredibly proud of all Screwfix colleagues for their support in continuing to provide our customers with the products they need to keep homes warm, safe and with power. The growing demand for convenience means we’re opening more stores to help our busy customers get their jobs done. We know that time is money for our customers and these new stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland will not only enable us to provide our customers with added convenience and certainty, but also allow us to provide even more job opportunities for local communities when they need it most.”

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About Screwfix:

Screwfix is part of Kingfisher plc, the international home improvement company with over 1,360 stores in nine countries across Europe, supported by a team of over 77,000 colleagues. Kingfisher operates under retail brands including B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt, Screwfix and Koçtaş. It offers home improvement products and services to consumers and trade professionals who shop in our stores and via our e-commerce channels. At Kingfisher, our purpose is to make home improvement accessible for everyone. www.kingfisher.com

Screwfix is convenient, straightforward and affordably-priced, helping its trade customers get the job done quickly, affordably and right first time. Tradespeople can shop 33,000 products over the phone, online, via their mobile or in-person from their local store.

From power tools and work wear to cables and pipe fittings, Screwfix offers over 11,000 products available to pick up from over 650 UK stores nationwide.

• Over 33,000 products can be ordered over the phone, online or from a local store, with orders taken up until 8pm (weekdays) for next day delivery to home or site.
• Screwfix.com attracts over 5.8 million visits per week.
• We have over 8 million active customers a year.
• The Screwfix Click & Collect service, which enables customers to pick-up their goods in as little as one minute after ordering online or over the phone, is used more than 10 million times a year.
• UK-based Screwfix Contact Centre open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including bank holidays) on 03330 112 112.
• See www.screwfix.com/stores for store opening information.
• Next day delivery is available within store opening hours.
• World leading customer satisfaction levels.
• Screwfix was awarded Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2017 and 2018.
• For more information about Screwfix please visit our media centre: www.screwfixmedia.co.uk

Media contacts:

Ian Perkins, Screwfix Press Officer, Tel: 01935 401599 ian.perkins@screwfix.com
Laura Westcott, Tel: 07813 562717 / laura.westcott@mccann.com
For Advertising enquiries, please contact: Mediaenquiries@screwfix.com

SOURCE: Kingfisher plc