Alldays has announced that it is looking to significantly step up the number of independent retailers operating stores under its franchise. Chief executive Stuart Lawson explained: "We have recognised the potential development opportunities in this area for some time. "With significant investment in our management development and training capabilities, we have made significant improvements in the owned store operation, the customer offer, and support functions in the last 12 months." There are currently 29 independent retailers trading as Alldays franchisees among the chain's 637 stores. Lawson also revealed: "We're working on a new store design concept, but it will have to wait until we are better placed before we can implement it." Lawson said the company was concentrating on product group strategies which had helped to increase sales and margins: "We need to work smarter with what's there." Alldays is also investing in its 10,000 staff introducing a new pay structure and training programme. The new management team have pulled the company back to an operating profit following the disastrous price cutting initiative which resulted in a half-year operating loss of £1.5m. The chain achieved an operating profit excluding exceptionals of £2.8m for the year to October 28, but when interest charges of £14.7m from its enormous £180m debt burden were deducted, it recorded a pre-tax loss of £11.9m. Chairman Alan Cole said: "The board is alive to the need for a financial reconstruction and will be considering various options for improving the debt to equity position in the year ahead." {{NEWS }}