Homebase has announced a brand new opening inside one The Range’s UK superstores that isn’t centred around gardening. The DIY and garden retailer has been launching “new and exclusive” garden centres inside The Range stores over the past few weeks and has confirmed more are due to follow next month. The openings come after the retail chain fell into administration in November last year, blaming a decline in consumer confidence and spending post-pandemic for its collapse.
But after striking a deal with retail group CDS – which owns The Range – around 70 Homebase stores and 1,600 jobs were saved. Rival DIY chain B&Q also agreed to take control of five branches based in Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester, which are all due to be converted into B&Q stores this spring.
Four former Homebase sites are also due to be transformed into Wickes after the home improvement retailer acquired the leases for the stores based in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, Leeds Moor Allerton and Northampton. These are due to reopen later this year under the Wickes brand.
But while standalone Homebase stores have closed down, the brand isn’t vanishing for good as it’s been announcing a swathe of new openings inside The Range superstores.
Homebase has now confirmed that shoppers can visit its “exclusive” ‘Kitchens by Homebase’ showroom inside The Range superstore in Ruislip. Here, customers can browse an array of kitchens and book a free design appointment.
Confirming the news in a post on Facebook, Homebase said: “THE SECRET’S OUT… The #EXCLUSIVE ‘Kitchens by Homebase’ showroom is now OPEN inside The Range Ruislip superstore!
“YES, Homebase kitchens are back! And with the Spring SALE LIVE NOW, there’s no better time to book your FREE design appointment!
“Visit the kitchen showroom or opt for a Virtual Design Appointment from the comfort of your home! Don’t miss out! Stay tuned—more kitchen showrooms coming soon!”
The new kitchen showroom comes in addition to the 29 ‘Garden Centres by Homebase’ that have already opened inside The Range stores, and 16 more are due to follow very soon in the UK and Ireland.