By James Wells

BRISBANE: Betta Stores Limited (BSL) has announced it plans to open another 12 franchised superstores in metropolitan and regional areas by May 2007.

In a statement released today, BSL referred to itself as a “national franchisor”, reflecting the company’s renewed focus on franchising rather than retailing.

“These stores will add to the Superstores already open and augment BSL’s program to refurbish existing stores. BSL is on target to add the 12 new Superstores in total by May 2007, in keeping with a commitment given at the company’s national conference,” said BSL CEO Guy Houghton.

In addition to the 12 franchised superstores, BSL has confirmed plans to build four new stores ranging in size from 1,100 square metres to 2,700 square metres. Two of these stores will also sell furniture.

Houghton said retailers had responded enthusiastically to the company’s national upgrade program.

“Our store development team is being flooded with enquiries regarding store upgrades, with retailers across the country wanting to take their businesses to the next level,” he said.

New stores recently opened by BSL include: Whitsundays Betta Electrical and Carnarvon Betta Electrical.
Upcoming new stores planned for the group include Gympie Betta Electrical in Queensland, Port Augusta Betta Electrical, Hiltons Betta Electrical in South Australia and Cranbourne Betta Electrical in Victoria, while stores currently in the process of planning renovations include Caloundra Betta Electrical and Kingaroy Betta Electrical in Queensland, and Albury Betta Electrical in New South Wales.