A CHAIN of cut-price stores is on the expansion trail -- and looking to buy up old mills in the Bolton area.

Simon Yates, managing director of QS Discount Outlet, which has branches in Atherton, Chorley and and Sale, wants to buy at least two more sites in the Bolton and Wigan areas, which will open next year.

The company, established more than 30 years ago as a market business in Chorley by Simon's father, Les, and mother, Alma, employs more than 180 people and has a turnover of more than £7 million a year.

and is now one of the north west's major importers. It began as a market business in Chorley and sells sportswear, homeware and lifestyle products, including a gardening section, and continues to feature big name brands.

The Atherton store which covers 500,000 square feet is based in the old Courtaulds Mill.

Simon, aged 40, who is due to visit the Canton Fair, the world's biggest, in China this month, insists he is still a market trader at heart, and proud of it. He was ten when he first got a job on his dad's stall.

He says he still gets a buzz from his business and every day can be found on the shop floor -- but never in a suit.

Simon is now planning to target the group travel sector and coach and daytrip market.

He said: "At the end of that day we are driven by customer demand and we constantly have to expand the range to satisfy our customers. If we don't they won't shop with us, it's as simple as that."