‘Physical retail shops are a cornerstone of our business’: Hughes opens new store in Thetford

Hughes Electrical has opened a new store in Thetford, Norfolk.

The independent retailer moved from its existing store in the town, where it has been operating since 1990, to a new larger store on the Breckland Retail Park.

The new premises boasts over 4,000sq ft of retail space, compared to 1,250sq ft in the previous unit, resulting in the recruitment of seven new members of staff, making 10 in total – including the Store Manager, Dean Honour, who has been with Hughes in Thetford since 1997.

The new store was officially opened by the Mayor of Thetford, Cllr Jane James.

Said Hughes Chairman, Robert Hughes: “This is a huge vote of confidence in Thetford and represents a very significant investment in the town and community. The new store is fit for the future and specifically designed to meet the rapidly changing demands of our customers.

“They want stores offering ample free parking, that are large enough to carry a huge range of stock for them to see and have demonstrated by knowledgeable staff before purchasing – or indeed renting, which is becoming an increasingly attractive and easy way for people to acquire electrical items.

“The ‘click and collect’ option on the website is also very popular and our new store offers this too from the nearby, massive Thetford warehouse.

“As a company we see retail in physical shops as a cornerstone of our business alongside the web, trade department and rental. We will continue to invest in all four of these to improve customer experience.”

Thetford is an important location for the Hughes business as it employs over 120 people in its main warehouse and distribution centre just two miles from the new retail park store.

Hughes has acquired an electric van to move goods between the warehouse, which has over 700 solar panels, and the new shop.