The Works accelerates expansion in Scotland
The Works is accelerating its expansion in Scotland after securing a number of new leases.
The books, arts and crafts and stationery chain has commissioned Colliers International to find new stores and is planning to open more than one new outlet a week in 2016.
It currently has 300 stores across the UK and started the year by acquiring ten-year leases at the Clyde Shopping Centre in Clydebank and at East Kilbride Shopping Centre. Colliers International also negotiated a renewal of the lease for The Works store on Inverness High Street.
The store at 40 Sylvania Way at the Clyde Shopping Centre spans 2,749 square foot store while the new store on The Plaza in East Kilbride Shopping Centre measures 1,681 square feet.
The existing Inverness High Street outlet occupies 4,855 square feet across three floors.
Having launched a click and collect service last year, The Works plans to add around 60 stores to its estate over the course of 2016.
Ross Wilkie, director of retail with Colliers International in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be helping The Works with its expansion plans, and are confident that we can secure further locations throughout the year, as there are still many gaps in the market where our client is not represented.
“The chain’s expansion is the latest sign of a pick-up in the retail sector which we are seeing in Scotland, which reflects growing consumer confidence.”
