Bakery chain Greggs intends to open 600 new shops in the UK after seeing a rise in sales in the recession. Greggs plans to open 50-60 new stores in 2010 and at least 70 new shops per year from 2011 onwards.
The Newcastle-based firm has done better than many retailers in the recession because of its relatively low-cost products.
The group currently has 1,400 shops in the UK and said it wants to expand 'particularly in areas where we are currently under-represented or have no presence at all.
Chief excecutive Ken McMeikan said 'Currently more than 50% of the UK population do not have a Greggs nearby.'
A statement from Greggs said 'We also see the continued opportunity to expand into locations where consumers work and travel such as transport hubs and industrial and retail parks, in addition to our more traditional presence on the high streets.'