A popular retailer is opening its new "flagship" store in a high street's former Debenhams unit this week.

The Range is unveiling one of the largest homeware stores in the UK’s southern region in time for Christmas, with the "flagship" store opening in Chelmsford High Street on Friday.

It will house a Range Kitchens showroom and the new Cafe 89 format with great value breakfasts and lunches inside a conversational town square-style eatery.

Shoppers will be able to browse through the firm's signature Christmas department, featuring all the trees, lights and decorations for shoppers to get in the festive spirit.

The former Debenhams unit has been transformed as part of a multi-million pound investment, as the store becomes the sixth The Range in Essex.

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

Alex Simpkin, CEO of The Range, said when he unveiled the news: "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.

“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.”