PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
New consumer electronics and white goods retail chain Lewisons will open its first store in Bournemouth this weekend (December 21st to 22nd).
The chain hopes to eventually open between 50 and 80 stores across the UK, and wants to float on the AIM stock market. It will expand across the South and South West in 2014, reportsRetail Week.
The first store in Bournemouth’s Triangle – 1,200sq ft in size – will be known as @Outlet35, but later stores will be known as Lewisons.
@Outlet35 will sell electronics including audio and home entertainment goods, as well as tablets, PC accessories, white goods and kitchen appliances.
The chain has been launched by property tycoon Clive Coombes, who previously attempted to resurrect Comet in the UK with the plan to offer drinks to shoppers in the new stores, along with sections for customers to play on the latest game consoles.
Coombes later ditched his attempts to revive the Comet name and said he planned to open Lewisons stores instead.
He said: “Future stores will have a European feel and an emphasis on delivering service.”
Sebastian James, the CEO of Dixons Retail, which has enjoyed rising sales and an increase in marketshare since Comet closed doors this time last year, previously told PCR "I’m not trembling in my boots" when asked about Coombes’ plans to launch a new electricals retailer.
Image source: Bournemouth beach view (Bournemouth image library)
