Bensons for Beds acquires a number of Carpetright stores

It is expected that trading at the new stores will begin within the next few months, with the bed specialists hoping that this move will help to create opportunities for former Carpetright employees.

However, the company has not chosen to save any stores in Lancashire with the Blackburn store also not being acquired.

Stores in Aberdeen, Ashton, Belfast, Canterbury, Edmonton, Exeter, Irvine, Kettering, Old Kent Road, Oldbury, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Slough, Sutton, Torquay, Bath, Eastbourne, Gillingham and Solihull will all be converted into new outlets.

Nick Collard, CEO of Bensons says; “Increasing the number of Bensons stores remains a key growth priority and we are excited about this opportunity to take on 19 store units. 

“Today’s announcement supports our overall plan to expand our current 162 strong store estate to over 200 over the next few years.

The acquisition forms part of Bensons expansion to open 40 new stores over the coming years.

Mr Collard added: “Whilst market conditions for higher ticket purchases have remained very challenging, Bensons has continued to make real progress, by remaining focused on those things in our control.

 “Since our return to profitability in 2023, we’ve continued to see significant market share gains across all our core categories, reflecting the hard work from all our colleagues across the organisation.  

“This work, alongside the announcement today on the new stores, leaves us well placed when the wider market starts to recover, allowing us to realise the longer-term ambitions for Bensons and its colleagues.”

Carpetright went into administration last month blaming a “big reduction in consumer spending due to cost-of-living pressures, lower home sales and a debilitating cyber-attack”, which it claimed pushed the company over the edge.

Bensons is headquartered in Accrington and employs over 1,700 people and operates over 160 stores across the country.