Woolies launches concession stores with Store 21

Troubled retailer Woolworths has teamed up with value fashion retailer Store 21 to launch concessions in 16 of its large high street stores. The first concession stores will open on October 9 in Swindon, Harrow, Clydebank, Slough and Wrexham.

The move follows Woolworths’ initiative to sell all chart DVDs for less than £10 to drive sales and consumer footfall to stores. The retailer recently announced a pre-tax loss of nearly £100m for the six months to August, with like-for-like sales down more than 3%.

The remaining stores will be rolled out over the next four weeks. The deal is part of Woolworths’ ongoing strategy to better utilise space in its large stores.

James Collins, Woolworths’ business development director, says: “This is a fantastic partnership that offers a host of benefits to both parties. Woolworths offers Store 21 fantastic high street locations and large volumes of customer traffic.

“Store 21 offers Woolies an extremely attractive customer offer. Value adult fashion and accessories is something which compliments Woolworths’ product offering and we are therefore expecting strong trading results from the concessions.”

The 3,000 sq ft concessions will stock the latest styles and top trends in adult and teenage fashions, as well as footwear and accessories.

Store 21 is part of the Indian-owned QS Group.