Value retailer Matalan says its store opening schedule for this year is going better than expected and business is brisk. The Lancashire-based company, whose customers pay a £1 fee for lifetime membership, has added 22 stores across the country this year, bringing the total to 121. Matalan has declined to confirm reports that it could be looking at plans to open two megastores in the Newcastle and Sheffield areas within two years. A Matalan spokesman said: "At this stage, there are no further details available for the development of stores for 2001. "While there are a number of options under consideration, there are no confirmed sites at this stage." The spokesman added: "The current schedule for 2000 is going better than expected."