Member Article

Frank's plan for new stores

A well-known flooring company continues to buck the trend to move online with plans to open new stores.

Frank’s the Flooring Store, one of the North East’s best known retail brands, is continuing to adding even more new products to its range.

Frank’s has recently opened its 30th store in the region and expanded into beds and bedroom furniture markets, with further outlets being planned to serve this wider market. Now, the chain is adding rugs from across the world to its product ranges.

Mick Copeland, business development manager said: “We are finding that home furnishings are doing very well in the current climate, if the price is right. More than ever, retail success is all about value for money.

“Despite having a massive range of carpets and other flooring products in our stores, we have never sold rugs before, but there is a real demand out there, so we have decided to move into this market.”

The first Frank’s store opened in 1996 in Stockton and the “I love carpets, me!” slogan, which remains one of the best known catchphrases in retail, was born. Following the success of the original store, expansion began in 1997, with the opening of two further stores and a warehouse distribution centre to accommodate the growing business was established in the following year. The company now has 30 stores across the North East.

Mick added: “We are very proud of our position in the North East but we know we can continue to grow. Home furnishings are products people always need, whether they are buying a new home, moving into a rented property or simply refurbishing their existing home. That growth can come in more stores or more products, but we intend to provide both.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .