Paperplus plans to open or refit at least one new store per week over the next two years as part of a push to become the No 1 book and stationery retailer in New Zealand.
Seeking to shed its cards and knick-knacks image, the retail chain is spending $22 million upgrading its Paper Plus stores.
Chairman Michael Paardekooper says they want to focus on books and stationery and the recession has not put them off their plans to grow their current 20% share of the market for books and home and small-office stationery.
The company aims to expand the number of stores it has nationwide from about 105 to between 120 - 130.
"We've already identified the palces where we can go," Mr Paardekooper says, "and they will fit in very well."
