18th Sep 2019 08:49
(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC on Wednesday said it will occupy 24 vacant retail premises in the UK to boost its High Street presence.
The initiative is part of the telecommunication firm's franchise operation which "offers local entrepreneurs the chance to manage the new stores from day one and earn commission", Vodafone said.
It is the first time Vodafone is extending its franchise operation to empty shops, and it ensures there is no upfront cost to the franchisee, the firm added.
Vodafone's UK Chief Executive Nick Jeffery said: “As a business with its roots in the UK, we are keen to do what we can to help local communities, whether that is giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to be their own boss of a retail store or extending our network to remote areas.
“New services have helped us become the fastest growing home broadband provider this year and attract thousands of new mobile customers every week. With this momentum, we are looking to extend our high street presence so that we can provide face-to-face advice and support to even more customers.”
The first two of the new stores in Morecambe, Lancashire and St Austell, Cornwall, opened earlier this month.
Vodafone shares were 0.8% higher at 158.34 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
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