Plans for a new £250,000 Superfi store in Nottingham are still going ahead despite lockdown - with opening anticipated for autumn.
While many shops face an uncertain future, the Hi-Fi and home cinema specialist is confident of a return to the high street after the absence of more than a year.
The store, originally located in Market Street in the city centre, together with Nottingham Hi-Fi, in Alfreton Road, were forced to close in February 2019 after the parent company Eddy's (Nottingham) was placed in administration.
Nottingham Hi-Fi re-opened in June 2019 after a takeover by In Phase International.
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Superfi will open next door following a £250,000 refurbishment, including a cinema in a state-of-the-art showroom, the only one of its kind in the city.
Before the Covid-19 outbreak, opening was planned for summer but it's now looking more like early autumn.
As well as an expanded range of core audio-visual products, the new store will be selling white goods and high-end domestic appliances, specifically smart home technology.
Meanwhile, online sales have rocketed as music and film enthusiasts seek out entertainment during lockdown.
Last week alone saw sales of TVs break the £100,000 mark. There's also been a surprise resurgence in the sale of DVD players.
Director Gary Digva said: "It’s no secret that the high street and retail in general was already under huge pressure, pre Covid-19, so the 'experiential' approach with superior knowledge and a more immersive customer experience was key.
‘Right now, that is now impossible in lockdown so we’ve had to bring that expert advice online through the new website, and when you combine that with our faster lead times compared to the larger stores, we are performing very well. In fact, we’ve exceeded our own expectations."
Mr Digva added: "We’ve taken what was working well with Superfi in terms of its product offering, expanded the range and added new options for customers seeking a local high-street supplier for a wider range of electrical goods.
‘We will have a particular focus on providing a range of solutions for customers seeking to incorporate smart devices into their homes and are already in talks with major property developers about this."
