Norwalk, Conn. — P.C. Richard & Son will open its first store in Connecticut early this summer.

According to an Associated Press report, the retailer will occupy the site of a former 33,000-square-foot Circuit City store, here.

President Gregg Richard told AP that the electronics and appliance chain, which has 52 stores throughout the New York metro area, had been considering an expansion into Connecticut for some time, and sees the move as “a real opportunity.”

A push into Connecticut would put P.C. Richard in direct competition with Bernie’s, another big-box specialty retailer that sells CE, majaps and furniture in 15 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.

P.C. Richard has also announced plans for a major expansion into New Jersey and markets north of New York City, and recently opened a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in the Garden State to support the build-out.