Gloucester-based business Smart Home Sounds is opening a new, purpose designed showroom.

Founded by ex-English rugby player Andy Hazell, Smart Home Sounds is a retailer for smart speakers and audio visual products and stocks ranges by Sonos, Sony, Nintendo, Bowers and Wilkins and Marshall.

The new premises at Triangle Park, Gloucester has been designed, and the fit out managed, by Mr Hazell and will open on April 9 to the public.

Smart Home Sounds said it had invested a total of one million pounds into the office and showroom space.

The new showroom has been designed to replicate different home setups so customers can visualise how products would work in their own home.

Samsung, Sony and LG TVs will be on display alongside a Sonos lounge, gaming zone and a purpose-built ceiling speaker wall.

Customers will be able to book time with one of Smart Home Sounds' experts to talk through floorplans, discuss audio-visual options and experience products in real life.

Andy Hazell, MD, Smart Home Sounds said: "We're all incredibly excited about the new showroom opening.

"While we truly believe that online is the future of retail and that YouTube is the new high street, we also appreciate that face to face, human contact plays a vital role in retail, especially when our senses are involved.

"This new showroom gives us the opportunity to engage with our customers and provide a unique experience for them.

"The new showroom will also feature a racing simulator as an added experience for customers as well as a coffee bar to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere that sets itself apart from the stereotypical audio-visual shop."

Smart Homes Sounds is said to differentiate itself from other retailers by offering customer support in the form of online tutorials and reviews on their YouTube channel and website to help customers find the right product to suit them, alongside installation help and general tips and hints.

The showroom will be officially opened by Jonny May, England Rugby International and ex-teammate of MD, Andy Hazell, on the April 8 with public welcome from April 9.