Kitchen giant Wren will open its 80th showroom next month - in Exeter.
The South Humber Bank-based manufacturer and retailer, leading in its field in the UK, has invested £1 million in transforming a former Currys store on Stone Rail Retail Park in the Devon city, creating 27 jobs.
Exeter is one of 14 further additions likely to emerge this year, and is currently being fitted out with the county’s largest kitchen range display, with 50 on show from industrial style to country and ultra-modern.
It has included a mezzanine floor, with appliance demonstration area and children’s zone.
The 16,000 sq ft showroom will be opened on Friday, August 2 by Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Yolanda Henson.
Alison Hawkins, showroom manager, said: “It has taken three months to completely transform the retail unit and the substantial amount we’ve invested demonstrates our commitment to the local area.”
To support the ongoing roll-out, huge investments are being made at the Barton base, with a £120 million manufacturing expansion and new IT academy the latest proposals for The Nest.
It employs almost 4,500 people, turning over £490 million, having been launched from nothing in 2009 by former Hygena head Malcolm Healey.
The South and South West has seen strong interest, with Plymouth, Basingstoke and Eastbourne in the last five additions.
