A SOMERSET lighting retailer has opened its new Taunton store to the public after a successful launch event last night. 

The Lighting Company held an invite-only preview evening last night (Monday, June 6) to show off its new premises. 

The event was attended by the company's staff members and representatives of Taunton Independent Quarter, the town's Chamber of Commerce, and Somerset West and Taunton Council.

It is located at 29 Fore Street, which was previously the home of clothing retailer Next.

The preview event was held at the company's new flagship store between 4pm and 8pm and saw staff members ‘pop a few corks’ to celebrate its completion. 

Husband and wife team Greg and Lynne Hickin run the business as its directors.

When the opening date was announced, Greg said: “Taunton is a great location for us.

“Aside from it being a beautiful, large building adjacent to the historic castle bow, the plans for the town's makeover becoming a garden town sit perfectly with the way we feel shopping should be.”

Somerset County Gazette: The Lighting Company's Taunton team inside the new store. Picture: Steve RichardsonThe Lighting Company's Taunton team inside the new store. Picture: Steve Richardson

The Lighting Store also operates a store in Minehead and sells its products online to customers across the UK.

Lynne added: “We’re bringing our online inspiration to life.

“Whilst we advocate the use of websites and technology, we think there is an appetite to blend the two types of shopping, a more modern way to shop.

“There is no substitute for seeing and touching products and also talking to real people, face-to-face. Our expert team is key.

“We will have social spaces to interact with our team, and also you, our customers, and brand ambassadors.”

The Lighting Company's Taunton store is now open between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays.

Gallery: The Lighting Company's preview event at its new Taunton store

Somerset County Gazette: The Lighting Company director Lynne Hickin-Browne with guest Chris Winter from Chamber Of Commerce.The Lighting Company director Lynne Hickin-Browne with guest Chris Winter from Chamber Of Commerce.

Somerset County Gazette: Guest John Marshall with Store Manager Erik Bishop.Guest John Marshall with Store Manager Erik Bishop.

Somerset County Gazette: Finance assistant Charlotte Ross, guests Abbie and Mark Watts, and social media manager Sarah Butterworth.Finance assistant Charlotte Ross, guests Abbie and Mark Watts, and social media manager Sarah Butterworth.

Somerset County Gazette: Sales assistant Melanie Mabbett and assistant manager Jane Kirby with guest Craig Stone.Sales assistant Melanie Mabbett and assistant manager Jane Kirby with guest Craig Stone.

Somerset County Gazette: The new store is now fully decorated with its range of items on display.The new store is now fully decorated with its range of items on display.

Somerset County Gazette: The business specialises in lighting, occasional furniture, and soft furnishings.The business specialises in lighting, occasional furniture, and soft furnishings.

Somerset County Gazette: The business opened its first store in Minehead in 2018.The business opened its first store in Minehead in 2018.

Somerset County Gazette: Guests enjoy looking around The Lighting Company's new Fore Street site.Guests enjoy looking around The Lighting Company's new Fore Street site.

Somerset County Gazette: The store will be open seven days a week, with slightly reduced Sunday hours.The store will be open seven days a week, with slightly reduced Sunday hours.

Somerset County Gazette: The Lighting Company is operated by husband and wife duo Greg and Lynne Hickin.The Lighting Company is operated by husband and wife duo Greg and Lynne Hickin.

Somerset County Gazette: The new store is now open for customers following the invite-only preview event.The new store is now open for customers following the invite-only preview event.

Somerset County Gazette: The downstairs studio at The Lighting Company's new premises.The downstairs studio at The Lighting Company's new premises.