Matalan accelerates store refresh program after exceeding sales expectations and appoints new director for international growth.
Matalan’s store refresh program is generating stronger results than anticipated, with customer feedback reportedly exceeding the retailer's expectations. The company recently announced the completion of its 2025 revamp goals ahead of schedule and revealed plans for further acceleration of the investment program, alongside the appointment of a new director focused on international growth.
The initial phase of the program saw Matalan complete all 30 planned revamps for 2025 within the year, part of a substantial £25 million investment in its physical estate designed to drive business transformation. The investment has proven effective, as the refreshed locations are experiencing increased footfall and outperforming the rest of the estate by 14% in sales. This performance is described as "well ahead of expectations," accompanied by significant improvements in customer satisfaction scores.
Based on these positive outcomes, Matalan plans to accelerate the number of store refits next year to 40, exceeding the previously planned count by 10. The store enhancements focus on improving the customer experience through simplified layouts and better signage. Fitting rooms and tills have been relocated to more central and accessible areas, and further improvements are scheduled for early next year, including the rollout of new self-service tills and self-serve click & collect options. The interiors have been made "brighter and more inviting" through upgraded LED lighting and expanded visual merchandising, led by Matalan's new head of VM, Fran Theanne.
The investment extends beyond the store interiors to focus on external visibility, including improvements to car parks, new signage, and enhanced external lighting, particularly vital for retail park locations. Matalan has also introduced new concession partnerships in many refreshed stores to complement its elevated core ranges. These partnerships currently feature womenswear brands such as Little Mistress, Blue Vanilla, and Quiz, with additional collaborations anticipated in the future.
The total investment for renewing the entire estate stands at £25 million, with the full program expected to span three to five years, although the current speed suggests it could be completed more quickly. Chief Retail Officer Katherine Davis commented on the strategy: “We’re listening and investing in what matters most to our customers. The results speak for themselves – higher footfall, happier shoppers. This all ladders up to delivering a better experience for our customers – as well as our colleagues on the shop floor – and winning market share, which is central to our ambitious business transformation.”
In a separate development, Matalan announced the appointment of Steve Ridehalgh as Director of International, reporting to Katherine Davis. Ridehalgh's role will be to lead the business's international growth strategy as part of the second phase of its turnaround, focusing on opening new markets and developing franchise partnerships. He brings extensive experience in overseas expansion and franchise development from previous roles, including overseeing the global expansion of Oasis and Warehouse, serving as franchise director at Debenhams, and most recently advising retailers on global strategy at PartnerWise Franchise. Ridehalgh's career also includes early experience with Alshaya Group in Saudi Arabia and international operations at BHS.
