East Anglia-based electricals retailer Hughes has opened a new store in south Essex.

Hughes took over the 7,500sq ft unit in Stadium Way, on the outskirts of Rayleigh Wier, from Tower Radio on June 1, since when it has invested more than £250,000 to create a state-of-the-art store.

The shop, which includes areas dedicated to, and supported by, leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Bosch and Miele, was officially opened by the Mayor of Castle Point, Brian Wood.

Robert Hughes, managing director of Hughes, said: “When we heard Tower Radio were vacating the premises we moved in quickly to secure the lease, retain the staff and then create an ultra-modern store which means residents in the surrounding area will still be able to shop locally for their electrical goods. Our nearest existing store is in Colchester so we see this as a natural area to expand into.

“Customers want stores to have a comfortable shopping environment with large product displays, free onsite parking with friendly and knowledgeable staff which is what we have created in Rayleigh Weir.

“It has been designed to reflect the way consumers are now shopping. They want to go online to look at and compare products so we have invested heavily in our website. It enables them to check stock levels, see where products are demonstrated and offers the ‘click & collect’ service.”