Travis Perkins set to open up to 50 new branches over next five years

Travis Perkins will extend its ongoing investment programme as it plans to open up to 50 new branches over the next five years.

It plans to grow its market share in the top 50 conurbations by deploying more capable branches and continuing to invest in a digital offering for customers. This year the merchant opened two new branches, made four relocations and refurbished a further 16, with additional investments to come.

The new branches opened this year were located over two acres at Martlesham Heath, which created 16 new jobs, and at Farnborough, which created 21 new jobs. Travis Perkins also relocated four branches including Exeter, Minworth, Reading and Taunton.

Travis Perkins opened a click and collect only branch in Kingswinford to support orders placed on its app and website, and a Toolhire hub in Barking, East London which services branches in its local area, expanding its branch offering and availability.

The latest project was the redevelopment of the Cheltenham Mead Road branch which now has an improved 2.5-acre site at the same location, with its heavy goods yard due to be finished in Q2, 2022.

To offer more to customers every new branch that opens will include a Tool Hire. The brand is also opening 19 new Benchmarx showrooms next year and opened nine this year. The trade-only kitchen and joinery suppliers – in Travis Perkins branches.  This means that customers can purchase from both businesses through the same account which has both a cash and credit option.

The expansion and modernisation plans come as the brand embarks on a redevelopment, relocation and refurbishment programme, designed to improve the customer experience both in person and digitally. Travis Perkins’ mobile app was launched earlier this year and was designed in conjunction with customers to revolutionise the way they work, allowing them to order materials in real time and check stock on the go.

Kieran Griffin, managing director at Travis Perkins, said: “As a business, we are committed to investing in our branch network to help us achieve our overarching goal to efficiently service our customers. Our goal of opening up to 50 new branches over the course of five years will enable us to do that.

“This investment sits alongside our digital expansion so whether our customers want hands-on colleague experience or a totally digital interaction, and our site modernisation and digital expansion plans mean we will continue to be best placed to serve them.”