Clas Ohlson, one of Scandinavia's best known diy and homewares retailers is to open in the UK this year.
And, in a demonstration of the Swedish company's commitment to the UK market it appointed a UK managing director earlier this week, ex-Argos man Mark Gregory.

The chain, which specialises in housewares, power tools, hand tools, leisure and electrical items, operates almost 90 stores in Scandinavia with another 13 openings currently in the pipeline. It has a product offering which exceeds 15,000 lines.

It plans top open up to four stores this financial year, with work on the first, a 20,000sq ft site in Croydon's Whitgift shopping centre, underway.

DIY Week spoke to Mr Gregory on the day of his appointment. To find out what he said and for more information about the UK roll out see the next issue of DIY Week, out tomorrow.