Bensons for Beds has opened 15 new stores in just three weeks, enabling the retailer to employ 50 new members of staff, saving a further 20 jobs following Carpetright’s collapse this summer.
The openings include a long-anticipated move back into Northern Ireland after four years away, with a new store in Belfast, along with stores in Aberdeen and Exeter, and a high-street store in Sutton, breaking away from the brand’s usual retail park format.
Nick Collard, CEO of Bensons, says: “The scale of openings we have managed to take on in the last few weeks is unprecedented by us as a business and is a huge feat for any retail business, particularly in the current economic climate.”
The announcement comes as Bensons reveals that its latest data shows the brand is continuing to gain significant market share across its core bedroom categories, building on gains made in the last two years. These advances follow significant investment in its sleep advisor training in-store, continued offering of value for money, new product launches and investments in its digital capabilities.
“Whilst market conditions have remained challenging, Bensons will be well placed to capitalise on a recovery in the market," Nick continues. "This is all due to the continuing transformation of the business to become the leading bed specialist, offering expert advice and fantastic value for money, all going towards helping our customers get a great nights sleep.
“Since our return to profitability in 2023, we have continued to see significant market share gains across all our core categories, reflecting the hard work from all of our colleagues across the organisation. These store openings are a testament to not only their hard work but our confidence to continue investing in the business and our ambitious growth plan.”
