The business behind The Range has added Homebase to its portfolio where it will sit alongside recently acquired Wilko.
Group CEO Alex Simpkin 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.
“The Homebase brand will continue to trade online, and the acquired stores will continue to trade as Homebase over the coming months until they are transferred to CDS when they will quickly re-open as The Range superstores. These stores will include everything you’d expect from The Range, combined with a much broader choice across garden, showroom and DIY categories – retaining the best of the Homebase expertise and heritage. We plan to continue to invest in the Homebase brand, with many initiatives in the pipeline.
“We’re expecting to secure up to 1,600 jobs, with Homebase team members joining the CDS family as part of the 70 store acquisitions. We’re conscious there will be a number of other experienced team members who are facing uncertainty, we’re committed to prioritising interviews for any vacant positions within our The Range and wilko brands across the country.
“With the acquisition of the wilko brand just over 12 months ago and successfully re-launching several trial stores, we’re now in a position to roll out a significant number of wilko format stores, along with our existing The Range store opening programme, with intentions to more than double the store estate size over the next four to five years. Acquiring the Homebase brand enables CDS to access new customers and reach new communities.
“As one of the UK’s fastest growing retailers, CDS continues to seek opportunities to expand its growing portfolio and omnichannel offer.”
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