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POWER TO THE HIGH ST

Energy firm is set to regenerate the UK high street with stores across the country

AN energy firm is set to regenerate the UK high street as it unveils a plan to open stores across the country.

Utilita - which also installed Britain’s first smart meter - is opening its first ever store in Gosport, Hants, on Saturday 14 July, as part of a trial which could pave the way to bringing back energy shops to high streets across the country.

Electricity shops
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The high street could see a return of electricity shops

In store, customers will be able to get energy advice, top up their meters and talk to staff face-to-face.

They have also installed an interactive area for children.

Steve Parker, Utilita’s Director of Retail, said: “We believe there is huge potential still on Britain’s High Street – our research suggests customers want to be able to interact with us rather than rely solely on the phone, email or on social media

“We know many of the UK retailers are closing stores down and abandoning the High Street - but we don’t want to turn our back on it. We are hugely excited about our store project.”

Electricity shops
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The shops could be part of a trial that sees customers come face-to-face with energy companies

The news comes as House of Fraser revealed it is to close 31 stores, leading to 6,000 job losses. High St staples Mothercare, Marks and Spencer, New Look and Carphone Warehouse have also revealed they are closing down some of their shops.
Maplin, the 200-store electronics retailer, also closed its last branch this week.

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