The Next chain's venture into DIY and garden retailing will be extended tomorrow - June 21 - when it opens its second Home and Garden superstore.
The launch of the Ipswich store follows the opening of the first, in Shoreham, West Sussex, last August, which chief executive Simon Wolfson described as "a trial".

Next says that the new store's site on Martlesham Heath Retail Park is a prime location for the 52,677sq ft outlet, which is creating 220 new jobs.

The new Home and Garden superstore format sees Next offering DIY and garden products for the first time alongside fashion. Products including Dulux paint, power tools, tiles, mirrors and door furniture will be included in a spacious home improvement department at Ipswich.

In addition, the home area has expanded and introduces a range of carpets, blinds, tiles and flooring. Taps, sinks and even baths can be bought and taken home the same day.

The store will also offer home layout suggestions, with coordinating living room, bathroom, bedroom and dining room furniture.

Products within the new store's garden area range from Flymo mowers and fence paint to barbecues, garden tools and plants.

Meanwhile, the Shoreham store won this year's Store Design of the Year at the Oracle Retail Week Awards, and has now been shortlisted in the National Association of Shopfitters Design Partnership awards, which recognise excellence in interior design and shopfitting.