A "huge turnaround" in trade is being celebrated after Denmans moved to a new location in Gloucester.

The electrical wholesaler has seen a 100% increase in footfall and is predicting a 30% leap in turnover since relocating to Eastern Avenue.

It is a big change for the retailer after 30 years spent in Horton Road, next to Gloucester Irish Club.

Adam Nobes, business manager for the Gloucester branch, said the move has breathed new life into the store.

"The old branch just didn't perform very well anymore," he said. "It was next to the train tracks and a school and near the hospital and had constant traffic around it.

"Contractors felt it was out of the way and on the wrong side of town.

"We are much more in with our competitors now and easy to get to and from."

The Brockworth resident has also brought in a new team of staff from other Denmans branches after the five staff from the old store either left or were made redundant.

"Before, the atmosphere was very negative and now it has changed to positive," he said.

Founded in Bristol in 1946, Denmans Electrical Wholesalers has 76 branches, including sites in Cheltenham and Stroud. It sells everything from double sockets to ventilation and power tools.

It is owned by global giant Rexel Group which operates 2,100 branches in 26 countries and in 2019 recorded sales of €13.7 billion.

Denmans new 5,500 sq ft site in Eastern Avenue was previously a Mapins but had sat empty for years. It is almost double the size of the old location, allowing 80% of stock to be displayed out front.

Adrian Brobyn, branch assistant manager, said: "Since moving we have seen footfall increase ten-fold and we are getting more retail customers through the door.

"Our turnover was previously £60,000 a month and now we are on target for £80-90,000 this month so it has improved greatly.

"It's been a massive turnaround."

The branch will be holding an official Trade Day launch event tomorrow (Jan 19) from 8am with product demos and tips from big brand suppliers such as Armeg, KSR, Lewden, SunSynk, Airflow and Dewalt

There will also be activities, a raffle, games, free refreshments and a discount for anyone who opens a trade account on the day.

The Cheltenham branch will be holding a Breakfast Morning Training Session on January 25 from 7.30am-12 where customers can learn more about the latest legislation on alarms in rented properties.