Carpetright pledges stores revamp

Carpetright’s veteran boss Lord Harris has said the chain will revamp its entire estate over the next two years as part of his commitment to high street trading.

The chairman and chief executive said that like-for-like sales were “well up” in the 36 stores that have been refitted so far.

And despite rising vacancy rates, Lord Harris said he will open more shops in towns, although he rejected speculation that he aims to take the business private, having failed with a previous attempt in 2007.

Carpetright, which has 501 stores in the UK, has issued a string of profit warnings in recent months as it battles the volatile market conditions.

It claims it is well-positioned for any recovery, with Lord Harris hopeful the drive to give shops a “completely different feel” will help trade. As well as new look interiors, there will be an updated logo and improved point-of-sale material.

The retail veteran, who has worked in the sector for 55 years, added: “I believe in the high street, but this is a retailing country and we’ve got to get more entrepreneurs on the high street.”