Fixings Warehouse has expanded its Ashford store into new premises in order to meet growing demand from DIY customers.
The new store was officially opened on November 3 by local comedian and Fixings customer Vic Reeves, who cut through a ceremonial chain with a pair of bolt cutters in a twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting ritual.

Fixings Warehouse md Matthew Clarke said: "Our turnover has increased year-on-year for the past three years. Any slight downturn in activity from the trade side of the business due to fewer new homes being built has been more than countered by an increase in the DIY market where customers are improving their homes rather than moving. This new larger store will be just what both customer groups are looking for - quality products, knowledgeable staff and the very best prices."

He added: "Our Ashford store has always been on the small side and whilst customers could always order any products we didn't have immediately available, the new store, which is four times the size, will enable us to stock more of the items that customers require on a daily basis such as screws, nails, sealants, nuts and bolts etc."

The new Ashford store will also have an entire section dedicated to ironmongery, which is a significant growth area for the business.

Fixings Warehouse has two other branches in Charing and Maidstone.