Channel Islands retailer Le Riche has introduced a non-food range to its two Checkers superstores.

Le Riche managing director Kevin Keen said: “We appointed a non-food specialist earlier this year, and the new range has just gone into both stores. Christmas will be a key test of its success.”

The range has been installed in the face of mounting competition on the islands between Safeway, the Co-operative Group and Le Riche.

It includes games, kitchen utensils and electricals and items from Waitrose’s non-food range, extending the existing supply deal on food between Waitrose and Le Riche.

Keen said Le Riche would also put non-foods into a new 18,000 sq ft Checkers store it intended to open in Jersey - subject to planning permission.