Angling Direct aims to hook new customers with Nottinghamshire store opening

Angling Direct heralded the opening of a new store in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, over the weekend, bringing the company's total number of UK locations up to 28.

The fishing equipment specialist said the area has a strong angling community and a plethora of lake and river venues, including A1 Pits, Sapphire Lakes, Trent View and the River Trent, though the town has no alternative specialist fishing shops to its new branch.

Chief executive Darren Bailey said: "As we seek to cater for all anglers across the UK with a new and modern retail offering, we are continuing to strategically expand our store footprint, as well as enhance our online offering in terms of products, experience and education in order to help raise the profile of angling."

The new store, which has a 4,500 sq ft. display area and is located just outside the main town, is creating five full and three part-time staff positions.

"While parts of the retail sector are experiencing difficulties, we are delighted that our strategic focus on customer experience and service has paid off and delivered a strong start to the year. Additionally, our focus on carefully selecting the correct location for each of our stores is driving our growth and brand value. We look forward to updating the market on our further progress in due course," said Bailey.

Angling Direct's shares were unchanged at 70.00p at 0848 BST.