Fabb Sofas, the new furniture retailer backed by DFS founder Lord Kirkham, has opened its first store and launched online.

Fabb Sofas store in Southampton

Fabb Sofas Southampton

Fabb Sofas has opened its first store in Southampton

The first shop opened on Saturday at Hedge End retail park in Southampton and plans are underway to launch five more stores.

Other stores will open in Croydon, Watford, Orpington, Nottingham and Edinburgh, according to the retailer’s website.

The Nottingham store will be on the site of a former BHS in Giltbrook retail park. 

The website fabbsofas.com is not yet transactional but is expected to be so.

Earlier this year, former Austin Reed finance boss Alan Charlton joined Fabb Sofas as chief operating officer. Kirkham also poached several top DFS directors to head his new venture.

The retail veteran, who made a “bittersweet” exit from DFS in 2010, has also invested in Tapi Carpets & Floors, the new floorings chain founded by son of Carpetright founder Martin Harris.

Details of Kirkham’s new project were first revealed by Retail Week in March.