Homebase is a British home improvement retailer and garden centre. It was originally founded by grocer Sainsbury’s and Belgian conglomerate GB-Inno-BM in 1979 and was owned by Home Retail Group from 2006 to 2016. Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers attempted to rebrand Homebase under its Australian counterpart Bunnings but was forced to sell the business for £1 in 2018 when the attempt ended in financial disaster. New owners Hilco Capital have been restructuring the business, launching a CVA in 2018 to shift loss-making stores. The retailer currently operates over 200 stores across the UK and Ireland. As part of its turnaround strategy, the retailer has eliminated everyday low pricing and returning to prices and offers. It has also enhanced its kitchen and lighting offers as well as reintroducing popular ranges such as furniture and soft furnishing in the hopes of becoming “the best place to shop for everything you need for home and garden projects”. In-store concessions such as Tapi, Silentnight and Ponden Home are also key. The acquisition of Bathstore in 2019 will strengthen Homebase’s bathroom proposition.
Homebase boss Damian McGloughlin explains why retailers need to work extra hard to ensure shops are inspirational as online sales soar.
It takes a brave person to trade selling health and wellness products for big-ticket furniture items on the cusp of the deepest economic downturn in 300 years. Fortunately, Steve Carson has never been afraid of a challenge.
Homebase has revealed it is up for sale after returning to profitability. We take a look at who could be in the running to acquire the DIY specialist.
Homebase owner Hilco has hoisted the ‘for sale’ sign as the home and DIY business eyes the next phase of its transformation.
Homebase has penned a 10-year partnership with The Hut Group’s technology arm to overhaul its ecommerce operations.
Advertisement
