Matalan will increase the number of planned store refurbishments next year after reporting stronger than expected performance at its newly revamped sites, the retailer said on 8 December 2025.
The company has completed 30 refits this year as part of a £25m programme to modernise its bricks-and-mortar estate. It said refurbished stores are outperforming the wider estate by 14% in sales, with some locations – including Rhyl, Hull and Wrexham – reporting sales up 20% on the same period last year. Customer satisfaction scores have also risen.
The stronger trading results have prompted Matalan to expand next year’s schedule to 40 stores, 10 more than originally planned. The upgrades focus on simplified layouts, clearer signage, brighter interiors and centralised fitting rooms and tills. The retailer has also invested in external improvements such as car parks, signage and lighting.
The programme includes new concession partnerships across refreshed stores, with womenswear brands Little Mistress, Blue Vanilla and Quiz among those introduced. New self-service tills with updated software are due to roll out early next year to support faster transactions and self-serve click and collect.
Katherine Davis, chief retail officer, said: “Whether it’s brighter interiors, faster tills or a nicer experience parking your car, we’re listening and investing in what matters most to our customers. The results speak for themselves – higher footfall, happier shoppers and even more compelling reasons to visit your local Matalan.”
Alongside the update, Matalan has appointed Steve Ridehalgh as director of international. Ridehalgh, who reports to Davis, will lead the retailer’s overseas strategy as part of the next phase of its turnaround. He was previously involved in global expansion work at fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse.
The wider refurbishment plan is set to continue over the next three to five years as Matalan seeks to improve the in-store experience while progressing its broader transformation strategy.
