Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
An aggressive expansion programme at the Home Bargains chain lies behind company plans for a major extension of its Liverpool headquarters.
The discount chain, owned by TJ Morris, wants to invest £35m and create up to 700 new jobs by adding to its premises at Axis Business Park in the city. It currently employs 400 staff there.
However, the plan is dependent on winning planning approval, with the result expected in the middle of January. The company says that if it fails to get permission it will have to decide quickly on a move elsewhere as it is fast outgrowing its existing premises.
Home Bargains, which sells household goods and toiletries, intends to increase its current estate of 150 stores to 350 nationwide over the next seven to 10 years. In particular, the company will be looking to extend its presence into Scotland and the south of England.
TJ Morris grew turnover 18% to £322m in the year to June, while pre-tax profit leapt 50% to £30.2m. The programme of store openings would take turnover to around £1b.
