Homebase is closing 13 stores across the UK this month in another blow to Britain’s high streets. The DIY and garden retailer confirmed the closures will take place this weekend, though exact dates for individual stores have not been announced.
Affected store closures include Bradford, Broadstairs, Cheltenham, Colchester Stanway, Coventry, Derby Chaddesden, Gloucester, Hull Hessle, London Streatham Vale, Oban, Oldbury, Romford and Wolverhampton.
Several stores have already launched closing-down sales, with discounts ranging between 10 per cent and 50 per cent off. Staff at all affected sites have been informed of the closures.
The retailer fell into administration in November last year, citing weaker consumer confidence and the cost of living crisis for its financial troubles. Homebase chief executive Damian McGloughlin described the last three years as “incredibly challenging” for DIY stores.
At the time of entering administration, Homebase operated 133 UK stores and employed 3,600 staff. The collapse came after banking giant Wells Fargo opted not to extend the retailer’s lending facility due to concerns about its finances.
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Homebase is closing multiple stores this month
PA
Following the administration announcement, the Homebase brand was quickly sold to CDS, owner of The Range and Wilko. This initial deal included up to 70 locations and preserved around 1,600 jobs.
The remaining 74 sites were put up for sale, with a deadline of November 29 set for bids. These included 62 stores in England, four in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland, three in the Republic of Ireland and one in Wales.
Earlier this month, B&Q agreed to take over five Homebase branches across the country. The B&Q-acquired sites include Altrincham in Greater Manchester, Basingstoke in Hampshire, Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, and Worcester in Worcestershire.
These locations are expected to be converted into B&Q stores in spring. CDS has confirmed that nine Homebase sites will be transformed into The Range stores. The retail group plans to open at least 50 shops in the next four months.
The owner of The Range purchased the Homebase brand
GETTY
Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS Superstores, said: “We’ve stepped in following the sad demise of the much-loved Homebase brand, which has had a long and previously successful history of helping UK households with their DIY projects and gardening needs, for over 45 years.”
Sainsbury’s had previously purchased 10 Homebase sites in August 2024, before the chain’s collapse into administration. Closing down sales have been launched at numerous Homebase stores across the UK, with signs stating “All stock reduced, everything must go”.
Stores in Broadstairs, Derry, Inverurie, Omagh, and Glenrothes have already started their clearance sales over recent weeks. The future of around 50 Homebase stores remains uncertain, though administrator Teneo has not confirmed this exact figure.
The administrator has stated that all Homebase workers are being consulted and supported as negotiations continue. Six additional sites had previously been confirmed for closure before the end of 2024, including Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby.
Lord Moylan, Chairman of the Built Environment Committee, said: “Local high streets are places where generations have shopped, socialised and worked. Many of them are in decline and to reverse this they need to look beyond being simply a destination for shoppers.”
“Retail will always be important, but people want to see a variety of businesses and other services such as NHS diagnostic centres and libraries on their high street,” Lord Moylan continued.
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He emphasised that successful high streets need convenient access via both public transport and car. The Built Environment Committee chairman highlighted the importance of local leadership in revitalising high streets.
“Delivering a successful and sustainable high street often involves a local leader, who can be from the local community, authority or business,” he said.
Lord Moylan encouraged decision-makers to be innovative while maintaining quality standards.
“Decision-makers shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things. However, they should be mindful of the quality of what is delivered, as only well designed and built spaces will have any chance of standing the test of time,” he added.
