RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: LEEKES
March/April 2026
housewareslive.net
Retailer Spotlight: Leekes
Following a £10 million transformation of its Llantrisant store, Will McGill speaks to Buying & Merchandising Director Jo Littlejohn about redefining the in-store experience and what it takes to create a true retail destination today.
L
eekes Llantrisant has long been a cornerstone of Welsh retail, but following a £10 million
transformation, the store is entering a new chapter. At the heart of the redevelopment is a clear focus on what it means to create a modern retail destination, one that reflects how customers shop today. Set in the historic market town of Llantrisant in South Wales, an area with roots in trade and craftsmanship stretching back centuries, the store has evolved alongside its customers for nearly 50 years. While the retail landscape has shifted significantly over that time, Leekes’ presence reflects a continued commitment to bricks-and-mortar, and to investing in its future. Committing to a £10 million, multi-phase redevelopment is no small decision, particularly in today’s fast-changing retail environment. For Leekes, however, the investment was driven by long-term confidence,
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both in Llantrisant’s role as a flagship store and in the ongoing relevance of physical retail. “The key driver was confidence in Llantrisant as our flagship destination,” says Jo Littlejohn, Buying & Merchandising Director. “It has served our customers for nearly 50 years, and we felt strongly that if physical retail is going to remain relevant, it has to evolve meaningfully rather than incrementally.” That idea of meaningful evolution sits at the heart of the project. Rather than approaching the redevelopment as a series of small updates, Leekes has reimagined the store more holistically, with a clear focus on future-proofing the space and improving the overall customer journey.
“This investment was about ensuring the environment reflects the quality and breadth of the brands and services we offer,” she says. “It also reflects our commitment to the local area, our colleagues and the long-term future of bricks-and-mortar retail.” As the project has progressed, the redevelopment has continued
to evolve. Each phase has offered new insights into how customers move through the store, how they interact with different categories and where stronger connections between departments can be made. “That’s
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