A SOFA and flooring firm will roll out a store expansion plan but “will bide its time” to make the blueprint a reality, a senior boss has said.

Chris Muir says ScS Group has a 15-location shortlist to extend its 101-shop estate, as it seeks to build on strong financial results and steer a course through the retail sector’s choppy waters.

However, Mr Muir revealed the Sunderland-headquartered operator will be “fairly judicious and slow” with the store introduction as it looks to marry busy retail park locations with outlets of the right size and price.

The chief financial officer was speaking to The Northern Echo today (Wednesday, March 21) after revealing ScS’ half-year results for the period to January 27, which reflect strong fiscal improvements.

According to the figures, gross sales were up 1.5 per cent on a year ago to £168.4m, with revenue 1.8 per cent better off at £160.7m.

The company’s like-for-like order intake was 2.2 per cent higher, while gross profit lifted from £72.9m to £75.3m.

Speaking of ScS’ expansion plan, Mr Muir, who was previously group finance director at Darlington-based vehicle hire firm Northgate, said: “We are at 101 stores and there are probably 15 locations where we should be.

“We don’t want to be up at the 200 level and it will be a fairly slow, judicious roll out.

“We already know which retail parks we want to be on, but we will bide our time.”

Mr Muir added the investment is expected to include strengthening of existing sites and the potential relocation of some stores to maximise shopper footfall.

ScS’ results come amid a turbulent time for retailers, with the administration woes of Toys ‘R’ Us and electronics firm Maplin matched by heightened fears over jobs at Carpetright, re-financing talks at Mothercare and a profit warning from suit tailoring firm Moss Bros.

However, Mr Muir said ScS, which was founded in Sunderland in the 1890s and uses the strapline, Sofa Carpet Specialist, will continue abiding by its old-fashioned values that aim to cater for its “hard-working” customers.

He also cited the business’ online presence, which generated £6m in gross sales across the latest financial period, saying it is playing a key role in driving traffic to ScS’ stores, with customers retaining a desire for the tactile side of buying products.

He added: “It is quite difficult out there, but we are offering a lot of different price points.

“We offer great value and choice, which is what we have done for a number of years.

“With the online platform, we are seeing people doing their research on three or four products and then coming into stores to talk to us.

“We will continue to invest in online.”