Retailers find innovative way of moving to out-of-town trading locations
Carphone Warehouse, Game and Jessops have joined forces to open a triple-branded technology superstore in a move to land prime retail park sites.

The three retailers, all market leaders in their fields, have unveiled the 5,000 sq ft (465 sq m) store at the Brent Cross Retail Park in London and believe the format could provide a platform for further expansion.

Initial trading at the store is said to have been strong and all three are keen to open more to test the approach further before committing to a full roll-out.

Carphone Warehouse is leading the hunt for more sites for the venture, which has been codenamed Electric City internally.

All rent and overheads are shared equally between Carphone Warehouse, Jessops and Game, and work out less than if they signed for sites individually. However, the retailers employ their own staff to serve customers in dedicated branded areas.

Game group property director for Europe Nick Martel said: 'In this market, you have to challenge your business. We are looking to increase our presence out of town. But, traditionally, the units on retail parks are too big for us, so to collaborate with other leading retailers is a creative solution.'

Jessops property director Peter Riordan said that there is an opportunity for the retailers to open 'many more' of the stores if the first few prove to be a success. 'All the retailers involved are very complementary. We wanted to ensure that the store did not turn into a bazaar, but the brands fit together very well. Feedback from customers has been that they like the proposition,' he said.

At present, the store is split three ways, but it is understood that a major coffee player is to be signed as a fourth partner to take space and encourage customers to stay longer.

Carphone Warehouse and Game also plan to open joint shops in France and Spain, where both operate already.

Carphone, Game and Jessops all performed strongly over Christmas, with like-for-like sales up 7.1 per cent, 27.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent respectively.