The lastest stage of the Klondyke Strikes strategy of store upgrades and refurbishment – a complete rebuild at Garforth in Leeds – is proving to be a gold medal success since its re-opening in October.

Initial budgets have been smashed, extra staff recruited and when GTN Xtra visited last week the centre was full of happy customers and ringing tills.

The low ceiling heights, warm colour schemes and shop fittings give the centre a homely feeling, as though it had been open again for quite a while.

The Topiary Restaurant, which has 220 covers, is "serve to table" and the popular specials menu includes dishes such as Ox Cheek, Red Mullet and Roast Garlic and Vegetable Curry.

Chief Executive David Yardley told GTN Xtra: "We've completely changed everything with this centre and paid big attention to customer service and staffing. Next year we will start a major programme of staff development across the whole group to build on the learnings from this opening and our other refurbishments."

Bob Hewitt, who retires in December to take up the role of part time Chairman, added: "Our next re-developemnt will be Edinburgh Morton Hall which will be followed by works at Polmont, including new head office facilities, and Weaver Vale. We have gained great returns from our strategy so far so that will continue. That won't stop us looking at any potential aquisitions though."

Also pictured above are Finance Director Sharon Allen and Retail Operations Director David Abbott, who along with the rest of the board and head office team had been at the centre with managers from all the other Klondyke Strikes centres who had been attending their company conference. 

See our photo gallery below for a tour of the centre.