A significant retailer has launched a large-scale closing-down sale, with discounts of up to 70%, as more locations prepare to shut permanently. Two additional stores are set to close in the coming weeks, adding to a total of 35 closures expected by the end of February.
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Homebase, which entered administration in November, has announced clearance sales at its branches in Bury St Edmunds and Maidenhead. The Bury St Edmunds location will close on 28 February, while the exact closure date for Maidenhead remains unconfirmed. The Selby store shut on 16 February.
Billionaire Chris Dawson, owner of The Range and Wilko, partially rescued the struggling chain, aiming to retain up to 70 stores and save 1,600 jobs. However, 74 stores were put up for sale by administrators Teneo, and many have already closed without prior listing.
CDS Superstores, parent company of The Range and Wilko, has confirmed the acquisition of 12 Homebase locations. Some of these will reopen as hybrid stores featuring "Garden Centres by Homebase" or "Kitchens by Homebase". The company plans to open three stores per week, with 50 expected by April.
The DIY sector has faced significant challenges due to shifting consumer habits and economic uncertainty. Rival chains such as B&Q, Wickes, and Safestyle have also reported declining profits, store closures, or entered administration in recent years.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk