Clive Coombes, the property tycoon who unsuccessfully vied to save the Comet name, will open the first store of his new electricals venture this weekend.
Coombes’ Lewisons business will open its first shop at The Triangle, the pedestrianised shopping destination in central Bournemouth, and will trade under the fascia @Outlet35
The 1,200 sq ft pilot store will be followed by shops under the fascia Lewisons.
Earlier this year Coombes unsuccessfully attempted to buy Comet after its collapse in 2012 and tried to launch the chain as Meridian Comet in the autumn.
However, Coombes was forced to backtrack on plans after Comet administrator Deloitte questioned its use of the famous electricals’ specialist’s moniker.
The @Outlet35 store will sell small audio equipment, tablets, computer accessories, home entertainment products, white goods and small kitchen appliances.
Lewisons operations director Graham Groves told Retail Week he hopes the pilot store will attract retail talent to the project.
Earlier this year, Coombes set out a 50-80 store long-term target and a stock market listing on AIM for the chain and Groves said its expansion will begin across the south and south west next year.
He added: “Future stores will have a European feel and an emphasis on delivering service.”
Retail commentators have questioned whether the venture will succeed in a market typified by low margins and fierce competition from online players.
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