3 to overhaul stores to attract more women

Mobile phone retailer 3 is to drive sales of non-core products and makeover stores to attract more customers.The retailer will extend its retail presence by selling its mobile broadband and Skypephone products through up to 3,000 retailers by the end of March. It will also overhaul its 270 stores and branding to appeal to women shoppers.3 sales director Marc Allera said he is in talks with potential partners, including Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Comet and Robert Dyas, to distribute the products.At the moment, 90 per cent of our focus in stores is on mobile phones, said Allera. That will become 50:50. He said sales of non-core products were substantial and growing.3s pilot store in Maidenhead has wood furnishings and a new fascia. It will introduce casual uniforms and employ more women.3 revealed last week that it will close 107 of its 127 Superdrug concessions by April.