Growing kitchen to bathroom firm Magnet is developing a new approach to selling as it opens a new batch of stores.

Gary Favell, managing director of the expanding Keighley firm, puts his finger on the new approach when he says: "People no longer just come into our stores to buy a kitchen or a bedroom, they are coming in to buy a lifestyle.

"It is important that our stores inspire, stimulate and offer practical solutions to help today's consumer create the look that meets their individual needs."

The firm is aiming to change the face of retailing in the sector through a major investment and expansion programme which will see ten new 'concept' stores open this year.

The new stores are in Reading, Nottingham, Manchester, Basildon, Edinburgh, Renfrew, Milton Keynes and Dublin. Existing stores in Preston and Bristol are also to be re-developed in line with the new store format.

The new showrooms will bring the total number of Magnet retail stores to 225. The firm has plans to open 30 new showrooms in the next three years.

They will feature a 'creative zone' where customers can browse at leisure through a wide selection of drawer, handle and worktop options allowing them to personalise their choice.

Design teams will also be on hand to provide advice and room layouts with the aid of the latest 3D computerised design systems.

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