Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Phones 4U, Carphone Warehouse and Argos

Phones 4U to open 100 stores next year

Phones 4U plans to open up to 100 new stores next year taking its total to more than 800. The retailer has opened around 123 new stores in the past 18 months, according to Mobile News, around 100 of which opened in 2012 alone.

The 800 total includes 150 concessions in Curry’s and PC World. The expansion is part of its new retail strategy to “revolutionise” the shopping experience of its customers. The retailer also plans to introduce a new click and collect service enabling customers to purchase items online and collect them from stores.

Carphone Warehouse and Harvey Norman collaborate to create 80 jobs in Ireland

Carphone Warehouse and Harvey Norman are collaborating to open a number of new concession stores across Ireland creating 80 jobs, according to the Irish Times. Carphone Warehouse will open 11 shop-in-shops in Harvey Norman stores across the country following a successful trial at a Harvey Norman outlet in Dublin last year.

The first two outlets will open this week at a Harvey Norman in Blanchardstown and Nutgrove retail parks, followed by Cork, Waterford, Tralee, Drogheda and Castlebar. The rollout will bring the total number of Carphone Warehouse outlets around the country to 91.

Argos names Ladbrokes’ Stephen Vowles as marketing director

Argos has appointed Ladbrokes customer experience director and chief marketer Stephen Vowles as its new marketing head, as the retailer continues its focus on digital retail. Vowles will report directly to managing director John Walden and become a member of the Argos executive board, Marketing Week reported.

Vowles replaces Karen MacLachlan, who left the business in May 2013 to pursue other opportunities.

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