Big-ticket homewares retailers are redesigning store layouts and extending low-cost accessories lines in an effort to boost sales during the credit crunch.

Beds specialist Bensons for Beds has redesigned its store format, while Dreams and Asian-inspired furniture retailer Lombok are tweaking their ranges to add space for accessories.

Bensons for Beds converted four stores last week to a new format with fewer beds on display, freeing up space for promotional material. All of its 215 stores will follow suit by the end of September.

Bensons for Beds managing director Bill Carrahar said: “Buying items like beds can be intimidating. We want to make the process much easier for customers by giving our brands more room to breathe.”

Rival Dreams has introduced a range of bedding and linen that will be rolled out to 80 of its stores by the end of summer.

Dreams chief executive Nick Worthington said: “We’re ramping up this side of things [accessories] in what is the most unpredictable retailing environment I’ve experienced.”

Lombok managing director William Landale said that, with fewer customers willing to pay for expensive items, the retailer is focusing on its range of lower-priced products.

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