The Range is set to move into a former Debenhams store in Essex to create one of the largest homeware stores in the UK’s southern region in time for Christmas.

The retailer's new southern flagship store will be located on Chelmsford High Street, at the historic former Debenhams unit.

This will house a Range Kitchens showroom and the new Cafe 89 format which aims to combine great value breakfasts and lunches with a conversational town square style eatery.

It will also open with The Range's signature Christmas department, featuring all the trees, lights and decorations for shoppers to get in the festive spirit.

The brand has now revealed it will be opening its doors in the city centre on December 1.

Refit work already started at the former Debenhams, which will become the sixth The Range in Essex, earlier this year in a multi-million pound investment.

This move is expected to create hundreds of jobs from shop and department managers to warehouse workers and retail assistants.

Unveiling the news of the new store opening last year, Alex Simpkin, CEO of The Range, said: "It’s been a busy year for The Range and we look to build on our already successful growth in the UK in 2023.

"With the cost of living pressures and inflation starting to bite, we know that great products, that are high value, quality and affordable are of paramount importance right now.

"As a result, we have significantly increased the amount of price-sensitive products we offer under one roof; as well as the on and offline customer shopping experience."

He added: “This acquisition represents a huge investment and is a hugely important part of our expansion plans. Its high street location and car parking facility was a key factor in securing this unit to help accelerate our growth plans for the business.”