DFS to resume opening stores

FURNITURE group DFS said yesterday it had regained its appetite for new stores after seeing its financial performance improve under private ownership.

The group revealed its expansion hopes after consolidating during a period when a number of competitors collapsed or faced trading difficulties.

DFS chairman and founder Lord Kirkham, who took the business private in a €732 million deal in November 2004, said the sofa specialist was strongly placed to resume its store opening programme. The company has set its sights on seven new stores.