Matalan could open new Northern Ireland branch under major £25m expansion plan

Northern Ireland may soon welcome another branch of the budget retailer as it announced 10 new stores will open across the UK this year

New branches of Matalan in Northern Ireland could open soon as the retailer announced 10 more outlets will open across the UK this year as part of a major investment programme. The cut-price retailer has committed £25 million into launching new branches around Britain, as well as revamping 30 other stores to improve the shopping experience for customers.

While the complete list of locations for the new stores remains under wraps, it's understood that Northern Ireland is in line to gain some extra outlets alongside its six existing stores – two in Belfast and one each in Londonderry, Craigavon, Newtownards, and Newtownabbey. Over in England, potential openings have reportedly been earmarked in London, Essex, and Hampshire.

The addition of the new stores will bolster Matalan's already substantial portfolio, which boasts more than 270 stores across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. James Dorling, Matalan's property director, said: "Matalan storefronts have been a fixture of UK communities for 40 years, so it is only right that bricks-and-mortar retail remains at the centre of our transformation programme.

"With 10 exciting new store openings and extensive refurbishments across our estate, this investment marks a step-change in our strategy – creating a better, more seamless shopping experience for our loyal existing customers, while also introducing the Matalan brand to new consumers."

News of Matalan's multi-million pound expansion plan came just as the branch celebrates its 40th anniversary. Among the store enhancements in the pipeline include layout changes, an increase in fitting room numbers, and the introduction of modern, quicker self-service checkouts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Existing Matalan stores in Croydon, Linwood, Bristol Filton, and Dumfries that have already undergone upgrades have reportedly experienced "significant increases in sales, ahead of expectations". In addition, on May 17 the Beckton branch in east London moved to a larger facility half a mile down the road from its former branch.

The retailer shared further plans, announcing the imminent launch of a new app designed for a seamless shopping experience and enhanced loyalty rewards. Back in late April, Matalan's executive chair Karl-Heinz Holland expressed his satisfaction with securing additional funding from key investors.

He said: "We are delighted to have secured this additional funding from our anchor investors. The funds will enable us to build on the progress we have already made in delivering our strategy, and accelerate investment across the business – from our stores through to our supply chain. We look forward to driving Matalan's transformation forward as we continue on our journey to deliver sustainable, profitable growth."

Looking to the future, Matalan has set its sights on expanding its physical presence, aiming to unveil 10 new stores each year over the next three to five years.