Utilita is to open a high street shop at Gosport in Hampshire later this month as part of a new trial that “harks back to the old regional electricity board shops of the 70s and 80s”.
The pay-as-you-go supplier says the store will allow customers to top up their energy meters, speak face-to-face with Utilitia staff and get advice on how to save energy.
If successful, the company plans to rollout similar shops across the UK.
Utilita’s new high street energy shop in Gosport, Hampshire
Utilita director of retail Steve Parker said: “While a number of firms, including famous household brands, are closing shops, we believe there is still huge potential on Britain’s high street.
“Our research suggests many customers want to be able to interact with us directly rather than rely solely on the phone, email or on social media – the shop provides that option.
He continued: “In many ways, this is a throwback to the 70s and 80s when the regional utility board shops where a familiar site on the high street and anyone could pop in.
“Those days were seemingly over but we want to bring energy back to the high street – in every sense.”