Shoppers welcomed the news this week that The Range will be keeping a presence in Watford.

The Range announced it will opening a brand new store in the town later this month.

The company's current branch has been earmarked for closure since at least 2019 after permission was granted to redevelop its St Albans Road site into more than 1,200 flats.

Many wondered whether the home goods store and garden centre would shut up shop for good in Watford or look for a space elsewhere.

Fortunately, bosses went with the latter option and a new store will open inside the former Mothercare unit at Watford Arches Retail Park.

The Ranges new unit, when it was still operating as Mothercare

The Range's new unit, when it was still operating as Mothercare

Readers will no doubt notice that the former Mothercare store is smaller than the Range's current site near Watford Junction - but there are plans to expand.

The Range plans to open its new store on June 25 - with an expansion on the cards later this year, which would see the introduction of an Iceland supermarket department.

Iceland department at The Range in Bournemouth. Credit: Bournemouth Echo

Iceland department at The Range in Bournemouth. Credit: Bournemouth Echo

A spokesperson said: "Initially, the new Range store at The Arches will open offering a selection of the retailer’s most popular products.

"However, customers will be delighted to hear that there are plans to extend into the next-door B&Q Trade Unit later this year.

"This will give The Range the chance to add more amazing products, increase the size of departments and also introduce an outdoor garden centre and Iceland to the replacement Watford store."

An Iceland department at The Range in Bournemouth. Credit: Bournemouth Echo

An Iceland department at The Range in Bournemouth. Credit: Bournemouth Echo

At the moment, customers can purchase their favourite Iceland products in around 70 of 185 or so Range stores around the country, including its branch in Griffiths Way in St Albans.

The Range has yet to announce a closing date for its current branch in St Albans Road in Watford but has confirmed staff at the existing store will be transferring to the new location.

A total of 80 full and part-time jobs will be created when the Watford Arches branch is completely opened.