Greggs boss says the bakery chain is on track with plans to open 150 new stores across the UK.
The sausage roll seller said it would open new stores in Cornwall and other areas where it currently has fewer locations as part of the group’s rapid expansion plans.
Greggs currently operates around 2,300 stores across the UK, but said it hopes to expand to more than 3,000 stores as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The company said it expects to open 150 new stores this year, but could accelerate the plan if more locations are available.
It comes as the group opens its fourth store in Cornwall, in U2 Enterprise Park, Saltash, on Saturday as it targets locations where the group currently has a weaker presence.
Roisin Currie, who was appointed chief executive officer last year, told the PA news agency that she is pleased with the team’s progress in opening new locations.
“The opening strategy will be planned and the new location in Cornwall is a big part of that,” she said.
“Obviously we are a brand that started in the North and the natural growth of the business from there means that there are some parts of the country, such as in Cornwall and the South West, where we see more scope to open locations.”
The new opening takes place on existing stores in St Austell, Launceston and Truro in the county.
Bosses say that some of the new locations in the planned expansion will target UK holidaymakers and holidaymakers, with openings at tourist sites such as front yards and service stations.
Ms. Currie said the group is also actively investing in new products on its menu and is optimistic about the summer trade.
“We have launched a number of new items, like the chicken shawarma flatbread, and they are all doing very well,” she said.
“We’re very much looking forward to summer and hopefully this warm weather will mean more people going out, and ultimately finding somewhere to eat.”
It comes after the group revealed in May that sales had grown by nearly a fifth in early 2023 as its cheap meals remained “appealing” to cash-strapped consumers. .
