99p Stores in ‘double-pronged’ drive to expand store numbers

99p Stores is continuing its rapid “double-pronged attack” on store expansion, by pledging to open at least one 99p Stores or Family Bargains store every week until the end of the year and has signed up as the newest member of Nisa-Today’s.

“We definitely believe there is the space, just look at the big supermarkets’ level of expansion,” said commercial director Hussein Lalani.

“The whole discount sector is aggressively expanding. It is a combination of growing consumer demand and the availability of sites, which is allowing us to expand at such a rate. And 99p Stores is embarking on a double-pronged attack. We have got the fixed price 99p Stores and we also have our Family Bargains stores, which enables us to sell big ticket items.”

Its membership of Nisa-Today’s follows a big push into groceries for the discounter, with new lines such as own-label soy and chilli sauces added recently.

“We’re looking forward to working with Nisa and are confident that membership will aid our business’ growth and development,” added Lalani. “We have experience of Nisa membership through our two previous retail businesses, so we’re aware of its benefits.”

Rival Poundland has vowed to increase store numbers from 340 to “at least 500” stores over the next three years, while Poundworld, also a Nisa-Today’s member, plans to boost its portfolio of more than 100 stores by about 40 every year.