The billionaire “Del Boy” founder of budget chain The Range has vowed to take over a string of shops abandoned by John Lewis, Debenhams and others.
Publicity-shy former market trader Chris Dawson has set out plans to snap-up empty branches left by rivals.
It came as The Range prepares to open its 203rd store in a former John Lewis in Ashford, Kent, this week, creating 90 jobs.
Mr Dawson, 70, who owns a helicopter and a Rolls Royce with the number plate “DE11 Boy”, is also targeting stores closed by Marks & Spencer.
The Range which stocks home, leisure and garden products, said today that the tycoon is “on a mission” to take over other empty branches.
It recently bought a former Debenhams in Bury, a Homebase store in Blackpool, a former Matalan store in Banbury and an Outfit store in Great Yarmouth.
It plans to open plan a further 21 stores this year.
Announcing the roll-out today, The Range insisted it was “investing in towns across the UK.”
However, the firm behind it has sparked controversy in the past, including for keeping money from a Covid business rates holiday that many rivals handed back.
Mr Dawson, 70, started his working life as a market trader, selling cutlery off the backs of lorries in the markets of South-West England.
He and wife Sarah are estimated to be worth around £2billion.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive of The Range, said “It’s been a busy year already for The Range, as we look to build on our already successful growth in the UK and continue to win over customers, who may previously have overlooked our offer in favour of the likes of John Lewis or M&S.
“With the cost of living pressures and inflation starting to bite, we know that great products, that are high value, quality and affordable are of paramount importance right now.”