The new owners of Homebase have rescued 12 stores that had been slated for closure. In November 2024, Homebase fell into administration, blaming a decline in consumer confidence and spending post-pandemic for its collapse.
At the time, Homebase’s chief executive, Damian McGloughlin, said the business had restructured and sought investment, but “these efforts have not been successful” after an “incredibly challenging” three years. However, Homebase was thrown a lifeline and was partially saved by Chris Dawson, owner of CDS Superstore, which manages The Range and Wilko. According to CDS, “up to” 70 Homebase stores were saved, which also rescued around 1,600 jobs. 57 stores were excluded from the sale listing, suggesting they could have been part of CDS’s rescue plan.
In a major shake-up for the dreary UK retail landscape, Homebase’s across the country have been undergoing a transformation as the stores will be reborn as The Range Superstores.
As part of its ambitious rollout plan the new-look stores will not only feature “Garden Centres by Homebase” but some will also boast “Kitchens by Homebase”, ensuring the Homebase name lives on within these revamped locations.
CDS Superstores has also relaunched its website, offering thousands of products for sale.
B&Q also agreed to take control of five Homebase branches – the former Homebase sites in Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester are due to be converted into B&Q stores this spring.
While four former Homebase stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, Leeds Moor Allerton and Northampton are set to reopen later this year under the Wickes brand.
And now, CDS have outlined plans to keep a further 12 stores in business, according to The Sun. These stores will open as early as April and May, and some even opened yesterday.
Homebase stores in Sittingbourne, Frome and Newmarket opened under The Range banner yesterday, April 11.
Meanwhile, stores in Portlaoise, Bishop’s Stortford and Sevenoaks will reopen under The Range banner next week.
A further four stores will reopen its doors on April 25 as well one on May 2 and May 16.
Full list of branches reopening:
- Sittingbourne – opened April 11
- Frome – opened April 11
- Newmarket – opened April 11
- Portlaoise – opening April 18
- Bishop’s Stortford – opening April 18
- Sevenoaks – opening April 18
- Haverfordwest – opening April 25
- Drakehouse Park, Sheffield – opening April 25
- Rayleigh Weir – opening April 25
- Dublin Nutgrove – opening April 25
- Market Harborough – opening May 2
- Clitheroe – opening May 16
