The Range owner CDS Superstores has acquired the Homebase brand and 70 UK stores, ensuring the continuation of the brand both online and offline.
- Up to 1,600 jobs are expected to be secured due to the acquisition, although the future of 60 other stores remains unclear.
- The transition will see Homebase stores eventually reopen as The Range, expanding their offerings in garden, showroom, and DIY categories.
- CDS Superstores is committed to investing in the Homebase brand, with plans for further initiatives and expansions.
- The acquisition reflects CDS’s strategy following their earlier purchase of Wilko, aiming to expand their market reach and customer base.
CDS Superstores, known for owning The Range and Wilko, has recently acquired the Homebase brand, encompassing its intellectual property and a substantial number of UK stores. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment, ensuring that Homebase will continue its online presence while also maintaining store operations, albeit under the new guise of The Range in the coming months.
The transaction promises to protect up to 1,600 positions, a significant relief amidst the uncertainty overshadowing the remaining 60 Homebase locations. The CEO of CDS Superstores, Alex Simpkin, stated, ‘These stores will include everything you’d expect from The Range, combined with much broader choice across garden, showroom and DIY categories – retaining the best of the Homebase expertise and heritage.’
In addition to job preservation efforts, CDS has emphasised its intention to prioritise employment for Homebase workers affected by the downsizing, offering them opportunities within open roles at The Range and Wilko stores. This move aligns with CDS’s approach following their previous acquisition of Wilko, which saw a similar store adaptation process.
The strategic acquisition of Homebase allows CDS to reach untapped customer bases and expand its presence into new regions. This expansion is a continuation of CDS’s successful growth trajectory, demonstrated by the recent openings of new Wilko stores and plans to further increase their retail footprint in the next few years.
The overarching goal of these expansions appears to be the integration of Homebase’s garden and DIY expertise with The Range’s broader retail offerings, aiming to enhance customer choice and service. This transition is indicative of the evolving landscape of retail, where companies are seeking to diversify their portfolios and adapt to changing consumer needs.
The acquisition of Homebase by CDS Superstores not only secures current jobs but also signifies a strategic expansion into new markets, fostering growth in the retail sector.
