Screwfix has announced its ambition to open up to 85 new stores across the UK, Ireland and France by the end of January 2024, creating more than 800 jobs in local communities.
According to a statement, the announcement follows a ‘record year’ of store openings in 2022, including its first five stores in France, with total number of store openings for the year reaching 87, across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France.
As part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the new stores will be equipped with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water, it said.
Screwfix said that its entire store network is already powered by renewable electricity and the retailer has been on a journey over the last 12 months to retrofit its existing stores with air source heat pumps. At the end of the 2022/23 financial year, more than 500 Screwfix stores were fitted with the low carbon technology, representing over 50% of the overall total, with more to be rolled-out in 2023.
John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “We know how busy tradespeople are and how important it is to be able to find a Screwfix store close to their jobs. In response to sustained demand from tradespeople across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, we are driving forward with our store opening program with the plan to open up to 85 stores this year.
“These expansion plans are making Screwfix even more accessible to tradespeople, ensuring they can get their job done quickly, affordably, and right first time. This is a very exciting time to be part of Screwfix as we continue to grow and deliver on our ambitions. I look forward to welcoming new colleagues to our stores over the course of this year.”