A FLOORING retailer is continuing the growth seen last year by revealing plans to open at least five more stores this year, creating 20 jobs.

Frank’s the Flooring Store has already created 30 jobs over the past 18 months, and has defied the recession by increasing the number of stores across the North-East from six to 20 in the past three years.

The business – famous for its catchphrase “I love carpets, me” – is also making significant investment in its central distribution warehouse, which will allow it to increase its 20,000-roll capacity.

The family-run company was founded in 1981 by William Maguire Senior, from small premises in West Auckland, County Durham, and continues to have three generations of the family working there.

It has also bucked the recent downward trend in the flooring industry, which saw major names such as Allied Carpets go under.

As part of its job creation programme, which has created vacancies for positions including retail advisors, carpet fitters and head office staff, Frank’s has been able to take on some of the 1,500 people made redundant through Allied’s demise.

Its pledge to open at least five stores this year has been boosted by the recent openings of outlets in Consett, County Durham, and Catterick, North Yorkshire, with another store set to open in Ashington, Northumberland, soon.

Billy Maguire, from Frank’s the Flooring Store, said: “We continue to be the leading independent retailer of flooring in the North-East and are succeeding where many of our competitors aren’t.

“To create jobs and expand in what has been the worst economic period in decades has been a massive achievement for us.

“We are really flying the flag for business in the region.

“In tough times, we introduced a price promise, maintained a vigorous pricing policy, promised to deliver at rapid pace, and offered our customers the best possible service and product.

“We are pleased to have created jobs in the region and are equally as pleased and proud to be creating vacancies throughout this year.”