A NEW superstore will open in Christchurch tomorrow (Friday) at the former Homebase site.
As reported by the A&T, CDS Superstores, parent company of The Range and Wilko, bought out the Homebase brand in November in an 11th hour rescue deal.
Homebase in Christchurch Retail Park on Bailey Drive
The move left the future uncertain for some 2,000 Homebase staff working at 49 locations nationwide, including Christchurch.
The new Range Superstore in Bailey Drive will include a ‘Garden Centre by Homebase’ offering products from both retailers.
CDS group chief executive Alex Simpkin said: “We’re fully committed to retaining the best of Homebase’s heritage while introducing the broader product range and value that customers expect from us as The Range.
“While those Homebase stores acquired by CDS will continue to trade as they are during the transition period, we’re focused on ensuring a seamless transfer of these locations into our new store format.
“We’re also eager to help consumers nationwide by investing in the Homebase brand with the relaunch of www.homebase.co.uk , and expect to have this platform live to support families in all of their home improvement endeavours very soon.”
Homebase in Christchurch Retail Park on Bailey Drive
CDS said it plans to roll out up to 10 new superstores like the one in Christchurch per month, with a goal of “transforming” up to 70 Homebase locations into this new superstore format and “securing up to 1,600 jobs, throughout 2025”.
A CDS spokesperson said the Homebase website will remain transactional under the management of the joint administrators until it is handed over to CDS in early 2025 for a relaunch.