BAKERY chain Greggs is opening outlets on industrial estates and at the roadside as it expands away from the high street.
The Newcastle company, which last month announced increased sales of 5.7 per cent over the Christmas period, wants to focus expansion away from traditional retail centres.
It has a store on the Doxford International Business Park, in Sunderland.
The chain, which started as a Tyneside bakery in 1964, has 1,263 UK stores. It plans to open up to 50 more this year.
Graham Randell, managing director of Greggs North-East, said: "With stores in nearly every high street across the North-East, we are seeking more unusual locations as we look to build the business.
"Industrial estates and business parks are typical of the locations that we now want to identify as they can provide a large customer base."
The group has contracted Newcastle estate agency Sanderson Weatherall to invite property developers and agents to submit suitable sites. Ian Thurlbeck, of Sanderson Weatherall, said the region was perfectly positioned to meet Greggs' growing business needs.
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