The Range is set to open the first three stores under its new format next month, following the recent acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its locations.
Photo: The Range.
The initial stores, located in Pollokshaws in Glasgow, Christchurch in Bournemouth, and Kings Heath in Birmingham, will reopen as The Range Superstores on 17 January. This marks the beginning of a significant transformation plan by CDS, the parent company of The Range, Homebase, and Wilko. The new-format stores are designed to merge The Range's extensive product offerings with Homebase's home improvement expertise.
CDS has ambitious plans to open up to ten new stores each month throughout 2025, converting all acquired Homebase locations in the process. The strategy is expected to create up to 1,600 jobs, solidifying The Range's commitment to expanding its retail footprint while preserving Homebase's heritage.
In addition to the stores' refreshed formats, some locations will feature dedicated sections such as "Garden Centres by Homebase", and selected stores will include "Kitchens by Homebase", offering bespoke kitchen solutions to customers.
During the transition period, Homebase stores acquired by CDS will continue trading as usual. Meanwhile, the Homebase website will remain operational under the management of joint administrators until its transfer to CDS in early 2025. Once under new ownership, the platform will be relaunched to align with the updated branding and offerings.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS, emphasised the importance of blending tradition with innovation. He said: 'We're fully committed to retaining the best of Homebase's heritage while introducing the broader product range and value that customers expect from us as The Range. While those Homebase stores acquired by CDS will continue to trade as they are during the transition period, we're focused on ensuring a seamless transfer of these locations into our new store format.'
Simpkin added that CDS is eager to revitalise the Homebase brand and deliver value to customers across the UK. He stated: 'We're also eager to help consumers nationwide by investing in the Homebase brand with the relaunch of www.homebase.co.uk, and expect to have this platform live to support families in all of their home improvement endeavours very soon.'
This move represents a significant evolution for both The Range and Homebase as they aim to cater to an increasingly diverse retail market while supporting the home improvement needs of customers across the country. The rollout of these new-format stores is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the company's broader expansion strategy for 2025.
Source: www.retailgazette.co.uk