Electricals giant Best Buy expects to create 8,000 jobs in the UK over a five-year period after launching in this country in spring 2010.

The retailer, which will operate in partnership with Carphone Warehouse, has begun a hiring drive ahead of the opening its first shops, in Thurrock and Southampton.

Best Buy prides itself on its “customer-centricity” and branded operations chief executive Paul Antoniadis said recruits will be put through its “Blue Shirt Academy” encouraging “the development of really enthusiastic and customer focused employees”.

The retailer is seeking staff for a variety of roles, from floor staff to department heads and marketers.