New Look to invest £3.3 million in upgrading 20 stores in Greater Manchester
New Look is to invest £3.3 million in upgrading and improving its stores in Greater Manchester.
The fashion retailer has announced that it will be trialling several initiatives in its 20 stores in the area over the next 12 months to create a blueprint for further improvements across its wider estate.
This will include improving store layouts and designs, with a significant part of the investment being spent on cosmetic upgrades to boost the in-store experience and improve product merchandising. The retailer will also implement new technology in the stores’ back-end systems to run an improved returns approach and a new next day click & collect service.
The trial will also include investment in training for store colleagues, including upskilling in the new technology.
In addition, New Look will be offering a more tailored approach to the region with the introduction of new products and looks.
Helen Connolly, chief executive of New Look, said: “We’ve always been very proud to have a strong presence on British high streets, ever since we opened our doors over 50 years ago.
“This investment programme is an exciting step for us in how we can continue to elevate the shopping experience for our customers, while bringing them fantastic quality products and creating future growth for New Look.”
At the end of the trial, New Look will evaluate the success of the new concepts before deciding which to roll out across its wider UK store estate. Greater Manchester was selected as the region to trial the upgrades due to its reputation as a UK fashion hub.
Elaine Cartwright, retail director at New Look, added: “With over 20 stores in the surrounding area, Manchester is the perfect location for us to trial these exciting new initiatives and turn up the dial on our omnichannel offer.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues to implement our plans and see which experiences add the most value to our customers.”
The New Look trial stores will include Crewe, Manchester Fort, Bolton Market Place, Sale the Mall, Trafford Centre, Denton – Crownpoint, Arndale, Stockport – Pell, Chorley, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Winsford, Bury, Blackburn, Wigan Grand, Buxton, Rochdale Riverside, Preston – St George’s, Preston Deepdale, Warrington, and Burnley.
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