Australian retail giant Harvey Norman is to open its first store in England as it ramps up its UK expansion.

The home and electricals retailer, which already has  two branches in Northern Ireland, will take over the 57,000sq ft former Debenhams unit at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Dudley.

Harvey Norman chief executive Katie Page said: “With its exceptional connectivity and a population around the same size as New Zealand – where we have 42 stores – it’s clear that the West Midlands represents a significant growth opportunity for Harvey Norman.

“We have been in the UK for many years, with two stores in Northern Ireland. We look forward to opening our new Merry Hill store later this year and hope to announce further investments in the region over the coming months, so watch this space.”

Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning 

Harvey Norman sells luxury furniture, homeware products, home appliances and technology products.

The Merry Hill store joins its portfolio of 300 stores across the world, with England becoming the ninth country it trades in.

The West Midlands store will create 100 jobs across sales, administration, marketing, operations, warehousing and management.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter