AF Thomas Electricals, a Newport-based retailer which also operates as an Euronics outlet, has been named Domestic Appliances Retailer of the Year in the 2016 ERT awards.

Winning this award is an outstanding achievement for the long-standing Newport firm, which relocated its operation from a smaller retail space in Pill to the busy retail estate in Maesglas, where it opened its new 10,000 sq ft flagship superstore.

The majority of the retail floorspace is devoted to domestic appliances and the store has a number of shop-in-shop areas from brands including Andrew Thomas, the company’s managing director, said: “Just over two years ago the company saw the potential to expand its operation in Newport on the back of increased consumer confidence and the substantial regeneration projects taking place in Newport. We have been amazed by the success of the new store which has widened our customer base, as well as keeping our loyal customers happy who want the warm welcome of a family-run business.”

On the first floor, Mr Thomas has rented space to Andrew Baines Interiors, which operates a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showroom.

He said: “This extra showroom has given us additional footfall and the ability to sell built-in appliances to those customers purchasing a new kitchen.

“We also have a live cooking demonstration area, where we hold regular cooking events, which have proved to be very popular.”

Recently, Smeg has added a built-in area, along with a collection of new range cookers, and Mr Thomas said he had 'great expectations' for this new area.

Mr Thomas said: “I am extremely delighted that this industry body has recognised the great work being carried out by my team in Newport. It’s the first award that the business has ever won, and a remarkable accolade given the change and growth AF Thomas Electricals has just been through.

“I was also pleased to be shortlisted in two other categories - we could have come away with nothing. When our name was called out as the winners of Domestic Appliances Retailer of the Year, it was exhilarating to think that we had won.”

He said: “Over the past two-and-a-half years, we have taken our business from a small independent retailer to an out-of-town retail park store. We have transformed the way that we look, the way that we perform and the way we present ourselves to the public. Recently we have upgraded our website to show our entire product range and it is now transactional which allows the customer to select a scheduled delivery date and time that is convenient for them. I felt it was imperative to develop the online strategy of the business to accommodate the way in which many of our customers now shop.”

AF Thomas are part of Europe’s largest independent buying group Euronics which gives them the buying power to compete with large superstores. The buying group has more than 700 stores nationwide which all buy together giving them the edge over national chains.