FURTHER expansion of retailing activities in the Republic is being planned by the Hampden Group, the Northern Ireland DIY to furniture retailers.

The group's growth strategy for the Republic was detailed yesterday in boardroom comment on Hampden's interim figures showing a 31 per cent increase in pretax profit to £717,000 on turnover 24 per cent ahead at £21.44 million.

Chairman Mr Stratton Mills said that despite disturbances in Northern Ireland in July, trading for the year to date has been "to plan." Sales through the group's three Texas Homecare DIY stores in the Republic increased £1.7 million to £5.13 million.

Like for like sales through existing Dublin stores on the Naas Road and at Nutgrove increased 9.6 per cent while the new store at Santry had sales approaching £1.4 million in its first three months.

Sites for further Texas Homecare outlets are being sought in Dublin and in Cork. Further sites in the Republic are also being sought for Reid Furniture upholstery stores following last week's successful opening on the Naas Road. Earlier, two Reid stores were opened in greater Belfast. Four Reid outlets in the Republic and another three in Northern Ireland are planned.