Parkgate Mobility expands store portfolio to 18 outlets with upcoming launch of Retford branch
Following a busy summer trading period, Parkgate Mobility is expanding its store portfolio with the imminent launch of its 18th store in the market town of Retford in Nottinghamshire.
Managed by Ian Marshall, the new branch, located less than 10 miles away from the mobility retailer’s Worksop outlet, will stock a large selection of mobility aids, including walking aids, rise recliners, powered mobility devices and stairlifts, as well as shoes and bathing aids.
The new Retford store will increase Parkgate Mobility’s presence in the East Midlands and Yorkshire, where it has been careful not to spread itself too thin when expanding into new locations – a key element of the multi-site retailer’s central warehousing and stock control strategy.
Speaking with Parkgate Mobility’s Business Manager Tracy Simmons, he told THIIS that the new store is currently being stocked up and will be opening its doors before the end of August.
Discussing the decision to expand to Retford, Tracy said: “We have a great pedestrianised location that is next to complementary shops including the Post Office and charity stores in the town, so we expect to see a good amount of footfall. Anyone arriving into the town by bus will have to walk past our new store and we have a major carpark next to the store as well.
“Retford itself is a small but busy town that has a great community feel to it and it also attracts people from surrounding areas because it is a nice place to visit, so it is a great location. we have already had interested residents stopping when passing by to ask us what the store will be.”
In last year’s Retailer Spotlight feature, Tracy discussed some of the different factors the company considers when choosing where to launch a new store.
“We carefully pick the locations of the new stores which has been an important factor to our success when expanding into new areas,” said Tracy.
“We choose locations that have either high footfall or outside the door parking. Good passing trade is essential in generating interest and business.
“We are able to stock stores very easily and cheaply thanks to our central warehousing structure and because of mine and Steve [Holland]’s building experience, there is not a great expense fitting them because we do all the fitting ourselves.”
The Retford store is located on 1 Spa Lane, Retford, DN22 6EA
