The Range, owned by CDS Superstores, takes over Homebase, including its brand name, intellectual property, and up to 70 UK stores.
- Homebase will continue trading online and in stores, later rebranding as The Range.
- The acquisition aims to preserve up to 1,600 jobs, although the status of another 60 stores remains uncertain.
- CDS plans to invest further in Homebase, maintaining its expertise and identity while expanding The Range’s reach.
- This move follows CDS’s acquisition of Wilko, marking a strategic expansion in the retail sector.
CDS Superstores, known for owning The Range and Wilko, has completed a deal to acquire the Homebase brand, along with its intellectual property and up to 70 of its UK stores. These stores will initially continue to operate under the Homebase name, before transitioning to The Range in the coming months. This strategy is designed to blend the existing offerings of The Range with the expertise and heritage of Homebase, particularly in garden, showroom, and DIY categories.
Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, mentioned plans to invest in initiatives that will strengthen the Homebase brand while incorporating broader product choices. This move is crucial not only for expanding The Range’s offerings but also for reaching new customer bases and communities.
The deal provides a lifeline for up to 1,600 Homebase employees whose jobs are at risk. However, uncertainty lingers for staff at the remaining 60 stores. CDS has stated that it will prioritise hiring affected Homebase employees for any vacancies, particularly within the existing Range and Wilko outlets.
The acquisition is strategically significant for CDS, following its previous purchase of Wilko, where it successfully launched new stores and is progressing with expansive store opening plans. Alex Simpkin stated that the intention is to double the store estate within four to five years, an ambition made more attainable through this acquisition.
This acquisition signifies a strategic expansion for CDS, promising job preservation and the integration of Homebase’s legacy into The Range’s expanding operation.
