Leekes Group Unveils Major Retail Expansion at Flagship Llantrisant Store
The family-owned Leekes Group has announced a significant investment in its flagship Llantrisant store, creating two brand-new departments as part of an ongoing £10 million investment programme. This strategic move represents the latest phase in the retailer's commitment to enhancing both the local economy and customer shopping experience.
New Departments Spanning 30,000 Square Feet
The newly established homestyling and clothing departments, which together cover an impressive 30,000 square feet, are set to launch this weekend. These additions reopen approximately a quarter of the store's total 125,000 square foot footprint, following an extensive ten-month renovation period that included brand-new flooring and a completely new roof.
This development follows the recent refurbishment of the store's furniture studio, which remains the largest such facility in both Wales and the southwest of England. The timing of these investments demonstrates Leekes' dedication to maintaining their competitive edge in the retail sector.
Commitment to Local Economy and Customer Experience
Emma Leeke, managing director of Leekes Retail, emphasized that this latest investment reaffirms the group's dual commitment to supporting the local area while enhancing the overall customer experience. The expansion will directly support the store's existing 85 jobs, contributing to employment stability in the region.
"After nearly 50 years trading from our Llantrisant store, we've witnessed considerable change, but our consistent focus has always been serving our customers in the right way," said Leeke. "These new departments have been entirely designed around how our customers love to shop, making browsing both easy and inspiring."
Strategic Department Design
The homestyling department has been deliberately curated to bring together everything needed to create desired looks for any room in the house within one comprehensive space. Similarly, the clothing and footwear section features a wide range of partner brands that collectively present a compelling destination for both everyday and outdoor wear.
Leekes Retail currently employs approximately 500 people across its five stores located throughout south Wales, the southwest of England, and the Midlands. This investment represents a significant vote of confidence in the Llantrisant location specifically and the Welsh retail sector generally.
Broader Leekes Group Operations
Beyond the Llantrisant flagship, the Leekes Group's retail arm operates additional stores in:
- Bilston in the West Midlands
- Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire
- Melksham in Wiltshire
- Cheltenham in Gloucestershire
The group also maintains its original builder's merchant at Tonypandy, where the business was first established back in 1897. This historical connection underscores the company's deep roots in the Welsh business community.
Diversified Business Portfolio
The Leekes Group extends beyond retail to include several other notable ventures:
- The four-star Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan
- The nearby 17th-century listed Hensol Castle, which hosts conferences, events, and weddings
- Hensol Castle Distillery, which produces own-brand spirits and operates a bottling plant
This diversified approach to business operations demonstrates the group's resilience and adaptability in a challenging retail environment, while the latest Llantrisant investment shows their continued commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in their core retail operations.
