Matalan fast-tracks £25m store revamp scheme as refits deliver 14% sales boost

Matalan is ramping up its transformation plans after its store refurbishment programme delivered stronger-than-expected results, prompting the value fashion retailer to accelerate the rollout.

The business has now completed all 30 planned refurbishments this year as part of a £25 million investment in its bricks-and-mortar estate. The refreshed stores are already outperforming the wider retail network by 14% in sales, with some locations, including Rhyl, Hull and Wrexham, reporting increases of 20% year on year. Footfall has climbed significantly across the upgraded sites, accompanied by a marked improvement in customer satisfaction scores.

Following this success, Matalan will now expand the next phase of the programme, committing to refurbish 40 stores in 2026 (10 more than originally planned).

The upgrades feature simplified, easier-to-navigate store layouts with clearer signage, repositioned fitting rooms and till areas to boost convenience, and brighter, more inviting interiors thanks to expanded visual merchandising and new LED lighting. The refreshed stores have also benefited from enhanced curb appeal, with improvements across car parks, external lighting and storefront visibility.

The visual update has been spearheaded by the newly appointed Head of Visual Merchandising, Fran Theanne.

Matalan is also deepening its concession strategy, adding partners such as Little Mistress, Blue Vanilla and Quiz into many of its newly refreshed locations, with further brands to come. In addition, the retailer will begin rolling out new self-service tills with more intuitive software early next year, enabling faster checkout and self-serve click & collect.

Chief Retail Officer Katherine Davis 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. 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."

Alongside the store update, Matalan has made a new senior hire as it enters the next stage of its turnaround. The business has appointed Steve Ridehalgh as Director of International, reporting to Davis. Ridehalgh brings extensive experience in global franchise expansion, having previously overseen international growth for Oasis and Warehouse. He will lead Matalan’s international growth strategy as the retailer looks beyond the UK for future opportunities.