Pointing the way forward for expanding retailer

An independent electrical goods retailer in Hampshire is to relocate its flagship store due to expansion.  

South Coast Appliances has signed a six-year lease off a quoting rent of £20,000 a year on a 1,883 sq ft (175 sq m) property in the retail heart of Fareham.  

Hughes Ellard acted for the private landlord of 175 West Street, which was formerly occupied by motor vehicle accessories chain Motor World.  

Bill Murrell, owner and founder of South Coast Appliances, is investing £20,000 in revamping the self-contained ground floor store following a business loan from HSBC.  

The firm sells electrical kitchen appliances, including cookers, dishwashers and fridges, from household brands such as Hotpoint and Indesit.  

South Coast Appliances moves out of its current main store, at nearby 190 West Street, in readiness to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, December 1.  

Mr Murrell, who employs 12 staff across his four stores in Fareham and Gosport, said: “We’re expanding following increasing demand from the public, selling up to 70 units a week, and the new flagship store will allow us to better display up to 200 models.  

“This is an exciting new chapter for all of us here at South Coast Appliances as the largest independent of its kind in the area.”  

Andy Gibbs, a business space agent with Hughes Ellard for the Solent Corridor, said: “We’re delighted to have paved the way for new life to be breathed into 175 West Street and wish Bill and his staff every success with the business.”  

Hughes Ellard has been appointed to market 190 West Street as the property is being vacated by South Coast Appliances on December 31st.  

The mid-terrace, ground floor lock-up shop, with ancillary offices and a kitchenette and WC, is 658 sq ft (61 sq m) and comes with a quoting rent of £9,000 a year.