Leyland SDM to open 30th store in London amid pandemic DIY boom

Decorating chain Leyland SDM is to open its 30th branch next week as the lockdown DIY boom continues. 

Britons have done up their homes in record numbers since the pandemic hit, with listed firms such as Topps Tiles reporting soaring revenues.

The capital-based DIY chain is to open the new site in Clapham Junction on June 1, and said today that will be seeking to open between three and five branches a year going forward. 

The chain already has a site in Clapham, but chief executive Jonathan Jennings said that  "home improvement boom which began during lockdown shows no sign of slowing down" and the company is confident the new store will see "a high level of interest". 

Leyland was established in 1985 with a single store in Central London, and today is owned by the listed Irish-based Grafton Group, which bought the chain for £82.4 million in 2018.

Jennings said opening a 30th store "is a notable landmark for the business", which bills itself for its friendly service and in-store paint colour mixing.

He said: “This is our ninth store opening in the last two years which shows the ambitious plans we have for the business.

“We have now got a strong presence across many areas of London and the plans are to continue the expansion and we will be seeking new opportunities for store openings so we can continue to serve trade professionals and home renovators in the capital.”