DIY, home and garden chain Bevans, now owned by the Rightway chain, announces new store opening this summer.
Speaking to DIY Week, Rightway Bevans md David Clarke said the latest addition to the store portfolio, a 5,000sq ft ex-Woolworths store, is one the company has had its eye on for some time.

"We've been in negotiation since last October," said Mr Clarke, but things were delayed by the condition of the property, which he said, "left a little bit to be desired". However, with all the necessary work now completed, the company has signed the lease on the unit and will open under the Bevans fascia.

"It's part of our strategy to increase the combined store portfolio [Rightway stores and Bevans stores] up to 20," said Mr Clarke, and to fill in any obvious geographical gaps. And it seems the new store ticks both boxes as it's the 16th store in the portfolio and, said Mr Clarke, "Flint was on our list.

"And it's doubly exciting for us," he said, "as Bevans started in Flint." In fact, the new store is only about 200 yards from the original shop, which opened in Flint in the fifties. "So Bevans is coming back home," said Mr Clarke, adding that feedback from the town's residents has already been very positive so hopes are high for the opening, scheduled for a soft launch in early July.

In terms of reaching the target of 20, Mr Clarke said the company is "actively looking - we'd like to get another one open this year". But, he said, it all depends on how quickly the new stores turn a profit and cease being a cost on the company balance sheet, a process he said can take up to three years in some locations.

"We're obviously very weather dependent, but generally we're doing OK considering the economy," said Mr Clarke. "That's why we're investing in the future."