It has been reported that stationery, arts and crafts and books chain The Works has secured several new leases to accelerate its expansion in Scotland where it plans to open at least one store a week throughout the year.

Colliers International, who is dealing with the estate, acquired 10-year leases at the start of the year for East Kilbride Shopping Centre and Clyde Shopping Centre, as well as renewing the lease for a store on Inverness High Street.

Director of retail with Colliers International in Scotland, Ross Wilkie, said: “We are delighted to be helping The Works with its expansion plans, and are confident that we can secure further locations throughout the year, as there are still many gaps in the market where our client is not represented.
“The chain's expansion is the latest sign of a pick-up in the retail sector which we are seeing in Scotland, which reflects growing consumer confidence.”

The Works currently has 300 stores across the UK.