Homebase, one of the UK’s most well-known high-street DIY and home improvement retailers, is shutting down even more stores as it continues to struggle financially. The company collapsed into administration in November, marking yet another blow to the high street retail sector, which has faced a wave of closures in recent years. In an effort to clear stock before shutting its doors, Homebase has launched a major closing-down sale, offering discounts of up to 70% at affected locations. While some stores have been rescued under new ownership, many remain at risk, leaving thousands of employees facing uncertainty. With more closures expected in the coming weeks, the future of this once-dominant retailer hangs in the balance.
More Homebase Stores Set to Close
Homebase’s latest closures include its Bury St Edmunds branch on Easlea Road, which is set to shut its doors for good on February 28. Signs advertising “Store Closing – Everything Must Go” have appeared at the location, drawing in bargain hunters looking to take advantage of deep discounts.
Another store in Maidenhead has also launched a closing-down sale, though an official closure date has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the Selby store in North Yorkshire recently closed on February 16, adding to the growing list of Homebase locations shutting down permanently.
A spokesperson for the administrators Teneo stated:
“All employee wages and benefits will be paid for their period of employment. The joint administrators’ priority is working closely with government agencies to provide support to affected employees.”
Despite these efforts, thousands of jobs remain at risk as the company continues to scale back operations.
A Partial Rescue Effort by The Range and Wilko
Homebase’s financial collapse led to an acquisition deal involving billionaire Chris Dawson, the owner of The Range and Wilko. His intervention aimed to retain up to 70 stores and save 1,600 jobs, but this left 74 branches and roughly 2,000 employees in uncertainty.
Teneo initially put 74 Homebase stores up for sale, with a November 29 deadline for potential buyers. However, not all of these locations have found buyers, and some have closed without ever being officially listed for sale.
Several high-profile store closures, including those in Morecambe, Winchester, and Derby Kingsway, were unexpected, raising questions about which locations were actually included in rescue efforts.
So far, CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range and Wilko, has only confirmed the rescue of 12 stores, with more potentially in the pipeline. However, this falls far short of the original 70-store rescue plan, leaving many locations and employees in limbo.
How Many Stores Will Survive?
As of now, only 12 former Homebase stores have been confirmed as saved by The Range. These include locations in:
- Birmingham Kings Heath
- Blandford Forum
- Blyth
- Christchurch
- Felixstowe
- Glasgow
- Leicester
- Leighton Buzzard
- London Penge
- Newton Abbot
- Stroud
- Woking
Meanwhile, 26 Homebase stores remain on the market, while the fate of another 43 locations remains unclear.
In addition, Sainsbury’s has acquired nine former Homebase stores, including locations in Glenrothes and Inverurie, while B&Q has taken over five more sites. However, the vast majority of remaining stores have yet to find buyers.
What’s Next for the Homebase Brand?
Despite widespread closures, CDS Superstores plans to keep the Homebase brand alive. The company has relaunched the Homebase website, offering a range of products online. It is also re-purposing some former Homebase stores under The Range brand, while introducing “Garden Centres by Homebase” and “Kitchens by Homebase” in certain locations.
CDS has outlined plans to open at least 50 stores before the end of April, with a goal of launching three new locations per week. Some of these hybrid stores, combining elements of Homebase and The Range, have already opened in Birmingham, Felixstowe, and Blyth.
