Joe Browns, the Leeds-based fashion and homes retailer, has plans to open 10 stores across the UK by the end of 2024, creating 200 jobs.
The announcement significantly increases its bricks-and-mortar footprint from the two existing stores – in Meadowhall, Sheffield which opened in 2017 and a second in York, which opened in 2019.
At the same time, Joe Browns announced it had entered into what it described as a ‘toe-in-the water’ franchise agreement which will see another store open in Cumbria.
A first for the retailer, Joe Browns, Bowness-on-Windemere is situated on the town’s Queen’s Square, spans 2,500sq ft of trading space and will offer womenswear, menswear and home. It opens in May 2023.
In terms of locations for the other 10 stores, the retailer said it was actively researching the most suitable shopping centres, cities and towns across the UK, to increase the awareness of Joe Browns.
Peter Alecock, chief executive, Joe Browns, said: “Extending our bricks-and-mortar footprint is a key building block to growing future brand awareness and sales. In simple terms, it’s about getting the brand visible to as many potential customers as we can.
“We know from our two existing stores, that customers are returning to the High Street and are wanting a variety of ways to shop with us.
“The new stores will bring to life everything that is remarkable about Joe Browns in environments that are unique to us, backed up with engaging customer service from colleagues that live and breath the Joe Browns ethos.
“We are looking at a variety of locations that we can share when we have signed on the dotted line. We really can’t wait to get cracking – it’s exciting times for the evolution of Joe Browns and when better than in our 25th year.”
The retailer recently shared what it called a ‘robust Christmas’ with sales up +19.5% in the four weeks to December 25, 2022.
