WALTER Wall, the UK's biggest independent chain of factory carpet clearance superstores, yesterday announced a growth sales and the launch of a store in County Durham.

Company chief executive Simon Heptinsall said the "pile it high, sell it cheap" approach of Walter Wall is more successful now than it ever has been.

The firm - a subsidiary of Storey Carpets based in Washington, Wearside - saw growth in excess of 4.4 per cent against like-for-like sales at the same time last year.

Mr Heptinstall said the company's performance had been phenomenal given the recent slump in the retail market.

"People are realising they can have stylish quality carpet which looks fantastic in their home and just because it's bought in bulk and sold from a no-frills factory operation doesn't mean it can't look great when it's down on their floor," he said.