Homebase

Homebase's concept was created by the supermarket chain Sainsbury's and Belgian retailer GB-Inno-BM in 1979. The goal was to bring a supermarket style layout to the British Do It Yourself (DIY) market. The first actual store was in Croydon, opening on 3 March 1981, located on Purley Way, originally as Sainsbury's Homebase.{{cite web |title=Homebase owner to close up to 60 stores in CVA |url=https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-owner-to-close-up-to-60-stores-in-cva/6361.htm |access-date=2 March 2025 |website=www.insightdiy.co.uk}}

Early in its history, Homebase used its Sainsbury's experience to move into using central warehouses from which to deliver its stock. By the 1990s, it was receiving the vast majority of its stock into central warehouses, then delivering it to stores.

Homebase tripled in size in January 1995, when Sainsbury's bought rival store group Texas Homecare from Ladbrokes.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/sainsburys-buys-out-texas-diy-1569729.html|title=Sainsbury's buys out Texas DIY|last=Cope|first=Nigel|date=26 January 1995|website=The Independent|access-date=4 November 2016}} These stores were rebranded and converted to the Homebase format, beginning in February 1996, with the store in Longwell Green, Bristol. The transformation was completed by 1999.

By the time of the purchase, Texas had staff totalling 11,600, and Homebase had 4,500.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sainsburys-tipped-to-buy-texas-1567974.html|title=Sainsbury's tipped to buy Texas|last=Cope|first=Nigel|date=13 January 1995|website=The Independent|access-date=4 November 2016}}

In October 1999, Sainsbury's bought Hampden Group, the franchisee of ten Homebase stores in Ireland.

From 1999, Homebase used former Men Behaving Badly couple Neil Morrissey and Leslie Ash as a couple. Morrissey and Ash were the face of the brand for six years, until March 2005.

In August 2000, the former chief executive of Texas Homecare, Ron Trenter, made an ultimately unsuccessful bid for Homebase.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4463032/Ex-Texas-chief-may-join-Homebase-bid.html|title=Ex-Texas chief may join Homebase bid|last=Rankine|first=Kate|date=25 August 2000|website=The Telegraph|access-date=4 November 2016}} In September 2000, Focus Do It All considered acquiring Homebase, but instead decided to acquire Great Mills.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/focus-targets-homebase-after-wickes-yields-to-pound289m-bid-700102.html|title=Focus targets Homebase after Wickes yields to £289m bid|last=Shah|first=Saeed|date=1 September 2000|website=The Independent|access-date=28 February 2017}} The next month, Home Depot joined the race to acquire Homebase,{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4467112/Home-Depot-in-Homebase-race.html|title=Home Depot in Homebase race|last=Bennett|first=Neil|date=1 October 2000|website=The Telegraph|access-date=13 November 2016}} but was not successful.

File:Axis-Centre-Longford-2007.jpg, Ireland.]]On 22 December 2000, Sainsbury's sold the Homebase chain in a two-part deal worth £969 million: in March 2001, the sale of the chain of 283 stores to venture capitalist Schroder Ventures{{cite press release|title=Homebase sale completed |publisher=J Sainsbury plc |date=2 March 2001 |url=http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/index.asp?PageID=424&subsection=&Year=2001&NewsID=109 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927035222/http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/index.asp?PageID=424&subsection=&Year=2001&NewsID=109 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=21 November 2006 }} generated £750 million, and the sale of 28 development sites to Kingfisher plc, parent of Homebase rival B&Q, generated £219 million. At the time, the chain had 13% of the market in the United Kingdom, with 283 stores and 17,000 employees, behind B&Q and Focus Do It All.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1082731.stm |title=Sainsbury's sells Homebase |work=BBC News |access-date=30 September 2013 |date=22 December 2000}}

File:Homebase_Antrim,_August_2009.JPG, Northern Ireland.]]

In November 2002, Homebase was sold to Argos Retail Group (ARG), a subsidiary of GUS plc, for £900 million.{{cite news|title=GUS snaps up Homebase|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2497923.stm|access-date=22 February 2015|work=BBC News|date=21 November 2002}} In October 2006, GUS demerged Experian and renamed Argos Retail Group to Home Retail Group.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Ros |date=28 March 2006 |title=GUS to demerge Experian and Argos |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/mar/28/retail.money |access-date=5 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}

In March 2005, Homebase launched a series of new television advertisements created by AMV BBDO, featuring the new slogan "Make a house a home."{{cite web |title=Homebase unveils first advertising for six years without Neil Morrissey and Leslie Ash |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/article/463797/homebase-unveils-first-advertising-six-years-without-neil-morrissey-leslie-ash |access-date=30 September 2013 |publisher=BrandRepublic}} From 2005 to 2008, these adverts used the song "Love Machine" by Girls Aloud. From 2007 to 2008, "Orinoco Flow" by Enya was used. From 2009 to 2013, "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John featuring Victoria Bergsman was used.

In October 2007, Home Retail Group agreed the purchase of 27 leasehold properties from Focus DIY, to be bought for £40 million in cash. The properties were transferred over the period up to 31 December 2007, and were then refitted to the Homebase fascia over the course of several months.

No other infrastructure, and no merchandise stock were acquired as part of the transaction, although staff in these Focus stores transferred to Homebase.

In May 2009, Homebase discontinued its loyalty programme, the Spend & Save Card, and replaced it with the Nectar loyalty card scheme,{{cite press release |title=Homebase Scrap Spend & Save Card and join Nectar |date=16 March 2009 |publisher=Homebase |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/891004/Homebase-replace-Spend---Save-Nectar-scheme/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH |access-date=16 March 2009}} the United Kingdom's largest retail loyalty card. The Spend & Save card had been operated by Homebase since 1982, and was believed to be one of the first store loyalty cards in the world.{{cite news |last1=Smithers |first1=Rebecca |date=26 July 2012 |title=How loyal to your reward cards are you? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2012/jul/26/how-loyal-are-you-to-your-reward-cards |access-date=22 February 2015 |work=The Guardian}}

In July 2013, Home Retail Group said the stores in Ireland had not made a profit in the previous five years, and that it intended to close three of the fifteen.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0716/462772-examiner-appointed-to-homebase-ireland/|title=Interim examiner appointed to Homebase Ireland|date=16 July 2013|website=RTÉ News|access-date=11 January 2020}} File:Homebase and Argos, Moor Allerton District Centre, Leeds (31st December 2014).JPG, inclusive of an Argos concession. This hybrid format had been introduced in 2014.]]In April 2013, Homebase faced criticism over a poster in a London store. The poster appeared to highlight the benefits of free labour through work experience, called Workfare. The offending poster depicted a number of volunteer staff at the Haringey branch and was captioned: "How the work experience programme can benefit your store. Would 750 hours with no payroll costs help YOUR store?"{{cite news |title=Protest at Bristol Homebase over 'workfare' row |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Protest-Bristol-Homebase-workfare-row/story-18677652-detail/story.html#axzz2PvV1rZlN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415235017/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Protest-Bristol-Homebase-workfare-row/story-18677652-detail/story.html#axzz2PvV1rZlN |archive-date=15 April 2013 |access-date=11 April 2013 |work=The Bristol Post}} Homebase responded that "Any individual involved in work experience is provided with a training plan to help them understand the different parts of the store operation in order to help them go on to secure a job (either within our business or elsewhere). We ensure they work alongside, not replace, paid colleagues. They are entirely under no obligation to participate, nor will non participation affect any benefits."{{cite web |title=Homebase denies using work experience staff to cut costs |url=https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-denies-using-work-experience-staff-to-cut-costs/2441.htm |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=www.insightdiy.co.uk}}

In May 2014, Homebase launched the Homebase Design Centres. The new look stores had a Decorating Ideas and Advice Centre, offering touch screen technology, to help customers transform the look of rooms in their homes.

Following a review of the business, Home Retail Group announced in October 2014 that it would close around a quarter of Homebase stores by 2019, and that it would increase the number of Argos and Habitat concessions within the stores.{{cite news|title=Homebase to accelerate store closures|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29719512|access-date=22 February 2015|work=BBC News|date=22 October 2014}} In April 2015, former Tesco executive Echo Lu succeeded Paul Loft as Managing Director.{{cite web|last=Tugby |first=Luke |url=http://www.retail-week.com/people/in-the-news-homebases-new-managing-director-echo-lu-profiled/5073160.article |title=In the news: Homebase's new managing director Echo Lu profiled |publisher=Retail Week |date=19 March 2015 |access-date=2 August 2015}}

On 18 January 2016, it was announced that Australian retailer Wesfarmers, owners of Australia's leading hardware store Bunnings, would acquire Homebase for £340 million, subject to shareholder approval.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35340384 |title=Homebase bought by Australia's Wesfarmers for £340m |work=BBC News |date=18 January 2016 |access-date=18 January 2016}} The transfer of ownership to Wesfarmers took place on 27 February 2016{{cite news|last1=Neilan|first1=Catherine|title=Homebase to be rebranded Bunnings after Wesfarmers completes £340m acquisition from Home Retail Group – now what's happening with Argos?|url=http://www.cityam.com/235594/homebase-to-be-rebranded-bunnings-after-wesfarmers-completes-340m-acquisition-from-home-retail-group-now-whats-happening-with-argos|access-date=29 February 2016|work=City AM|date=29 February 2016}} and afterwards Peter Davis was appointed Managing Director, succeeding Echo Lu.{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|title=Bunnings pilots will create key opportunities for suppliers|url=http://www.hortweek.com/bunnings-pilots-will-create-key-opportunities-suppliers/retail/article/1411798|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Horticulture Week|date=14 October 2016}}

Wesfarmers announced in June 2016 that it had cancelled the plans by Home Retail Group to close seven stores, and would seek to prevent the closure of eleven others. It described the closure of five additional stores as "unavoidable".{{cite news|last1=Misiri|first1=Talya|title=Wesfarmers to save up to 700 Homebase jobs|url=http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2016/06/wesfarmers-to-save-up-to-700-homebase-jobs|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Retail Gazette|date=23 June 2016}} It was also announced that Archie Norman was to advise on the turnaround of Homebase under Wesfarmers.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/22/archie-norman-returns-to-uk-retail-with-homebase-revival/|title=Archie Norman returns to UK retail with Homebase revival|work=The Telegraph|date=22 June 2016|access-date=1 October 2016|first=Ashley|last=Armstrong}}

Laura Ashley plc confirmed in October 2016 that it would remove its concessions trading in 22 Homebase stores by the second quarter of 2017, as Wesfarmers sought to remove all concessions and adopt the same business model as its Australian and New Zealand business.{{cite news|last1=Greenblat|first1=Eli|title=Wesfarmers revamps UK hardware chain by ditching Laura Ashley|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/wesfarmers-revamps-uk-hardware-chain-by-ditching-laura-ashley/news-story/f53e4017bded31f2f58e82b0c7e07028|access-date=28 October 2016|work=The Australian|date=25 October 2016}}File:Bunnings Warehouse Weston super Mare (3 to 1 crop).jpg, Somerset that had been converted from Homebase to the Bunnings Warehouse format.|alt=]]The company moved its headquarters within Milton Keynes in December 2016, from premises previously shared with former sister company Argos.{{cite news |last1=Hardy |first1=Emily |date=31 October 2016 |title=Homebase to split from Argos with new headquarters |url=https://www.retail-week.com/sectors/home-and-diy/homebase-to-split-from-argos-with-new-headquarters/7013427.article |access-date=1 November 2016 |work=Retail Week}}

Following the sale to Wesfarmers, Homebase left the Nectar scheme on 31 December 2016.{{cite news |date=8 June 2016 |title=Homebase to leave Nectar points scheme at end of 2016 |url=http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/money-tips/homebase-to-leave-nectar-points-scheme-at-end-of-2016-11364066728918 |access-date=28 October 2016 |publisher=BT |agency=Love Money}}

Bunnings confirmed in November 2016 that the Homebase store in St Albans would be the first to be re-branded as Bunnings Warehouse as part of a trial, and opened in February 2017.{{cite news|title=Bunnings DIY store opening causes Aussie sizzle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38842021|access-date=9 February 2017|work=BBC News|date=2 February 2017}} An additional three were planned to be opened by June 2017, with up to six more completed by the end of the year.{{cite news|title=Bunnings unveils pilot store plans to BHETA members|url=http://www.housewareslive.net/bunnings-unveils-pilot-store-plans-to-bheta-members|access-date=12 November 2016|work=Housewares Live|date=8 November 2016}} The stores adopted a low-cost warehouse model.{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|title=Homebase looks ahead to future renamed as Bunnings|url=http://www.hortweek.com/homebase-looks-ahead-future-renamed-bunnings/retail/article/1408376|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Horticulture Week|date=9 September 2016}}

In February 2018, Wesfarmers reported losses relating to the takeover of £57 million in the year to June 2017, and stated that it would begin a review of the business.{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Sarah|title='Botched' Homebase takeover puts hundreds of jobs at risk|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/feb/05/botched-takeover-threatens-homebase-bunnings-jobs|access-date=9 April 2018|work=The Guardian|date=5 February 2018}} Wesfarmers sought buyers for the business in March,{{cite news|last1=Withers|first1=Iain|title=Homebase owner seeks buyers as DIY chain turnaround flounders|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/03/31/homebase-owner-seeks-buyers-diy-chain-turnaround-flounders/|access-date=9 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=31 March 2018}} and by May, had received bids from restructuring firms Alteri Investors and Hilco.{{cite news|last1=Espinoza|first1=Javier|title=Potential bidders emerge for Homebase|url=https://www.ft.com/content/df130b06-5e9f-11e8-ad91-e01af256df68|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Financial Times|date=23 May 2018}}

On 25 May 2018, it was announced that Homebase had been sold by Wesfarmers to turnaround specialists Hilco, for a nominal one pound sterling.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44248409|title=DIY disaster ends as Homebase sold for £1|date=25 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2018}} Hilco took ownership of the business on 12 June 2018 through a new holding company, HHGL Limited. All 24 stores converted to the Bunnings format were rebranded back to Homebase. At the end of August 2018, a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposed by Hilco to close 42 stores, and reduce rent on others, was approved by Homebase's creditors.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45180984|title=Homebase to close 42 stores and cut jobs|date=14 August 2018|website=BBC News|access-date=14 August 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45184971|title=Homebase: The stores that will close|date=14 August 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=11 January 2020}}

The stores identified for closure in the CVA were planned to close by the beginning of 2019.{{cite news |title=Homebase rescue plan voted through by creditors |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45367910 |access-date=2 September 2018 |work=BBC News |date=31 August 2018}} Homebase secured a £95 million asset lending contract with Wells Fargo Capital Finance on 26 November 2018.{{cite press release |title=Homebase Completes Refinancing with Wells Fargo |url=https://wellsfargocapitalfinance.com/uk/2018/11/26/homebase-completes-refinancing-wells-fargo-london-26-november-2018/ |access-date=28 December 2018 |publisher=Wells Fargo |date=26 November 2018}}

On 24 December 2018, Hilco opened its first redesigned store nicknamed BoB (Best of Both) in Orpington.{{cite news |title=Homebase Orpington Gets a Makeover |url=http://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-orpington-gets-a-makeover/6776.htm |access-date=28 December 2018 |publisher=InsightDIY |date=24 December 2018}} The store featured traditional Homebase "gondola" shelving alongside the Bunnings red racking, with a heavy focus on decorating, moving away from Wesfarmers' primary focus on tools. At that time Homebase had over 170 stores in the United Kingdom,{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|url=http://www.hortweek.com/analysts-give-reaction-homebase-bunnings-quarterly-results/retail/article/1431882|title=Analysts give their reaction to Homebase/Bunnings quarterly results|date=28 April 2017|work=Horticulture Week|access-date=10 May 2017}} with a further eleven in Ireland.

In February 2020, it was announced that Homebase had returned to profit earlier than initially forecast, with nearly all of its 164 locations profitable. The company said that its overhauled website, and the reintroduction of in-store concessions (many of which were removed by Wesfarmers) had helped it to achieve the reprise.{{cite web|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/02/homebase-returns-profit-earlier-expected/|title=Homebase returns to profit earlier than expected |work=Retail Gazette|last=Jahshan|first=Elias|date=27 February 2020 |access-date=8 April 2020}} Homebase confirmed that it would exit its CVA earlier than planned by April 2020.{{cite news |last1=Eley |first1=Jonathan |title=Homebase to exit CVA early after returning to profit |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e2dd3b22-5938-11ea-a528-dd0f971febbc |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=27 February 2020}} In November 2020, Hilco put Homebase up for sale.{{cite news |last1=Eley |first1=Jonathan |title=Hilco puts Homebase up for sale |url=https://www.ft.com/content/bbb06f6b-6567-4795-9750-58305eea1cfb |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=11 November 2020}}

In 2021, Hugh Osmond was understood to have been assembling a takeover bid for Homebase for £300 million.{{cite web |last1=Fish |first1=Isabella |title=Homebase goes into administration with jobs at risk |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/homebase-heads-for-administration-0rqsvxbdm |website=The Times |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=14 November 2024}}

In February 2024, Hilco put Homebase up for sale for the second time within four years.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase for sale for second time within four years |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/02/homebase-up-for-sale/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=27 February 2024}} In the same month, it was reported that Homebase had made heavy losses in the previous year, with Hilco continuing to look for a buyer, and that B&M European Value Retail and CDS (Superstores International) (owner of The Range and Wilko) had been approached regarding takeover deals.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase plunges into the red after 'challenging year' |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/02/homebase-heavy-losses/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=1 March 2024 |date=28 February 2024}} In July 2024, it emerged that CDS had approached Hilco Capital regarding a Homebase takeover deal, with an insider revealing that a formal sale process was due to begin within the next few days.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase owner approached by The Range as it eyes sale |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/07/homebase-sale-the-range/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=21 July 2024 |date=21 July 2024}} In August 2024, Hilco sold 10 Homebase locations to Sainsbury's for £130 million, to be converted into supermarkets.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Sainsbury's snaps up 10 Homebase stores in £130m deal |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/08/sainsburys-homebase-stores/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=29 August 2024 |date=29 August 2024}}

{{Further|Homebase (brand)}}

On 13 November 2024, it was reported that Hilco was preparing to place the business into administration, with the retailer's holding company, HHGL Limited, collapsing into administration on the same day.{{cite web |title=Homebase collapses with 2,000 jobs at risk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c624nzepd59o |website=BBC News |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}} It was announced that CDS Superstores would acquire the Homebase brand and up to 70 of the UK stores, safeguarding about 1,500 jobs. The purchased stores will be gradually be rebranded as The Range, while Homebase.co.uk will continue.{{cite web |title=The Range closes in on chunk of Homebase in pre-pack sale |url=https://news.sky.com/story/the-range-closes-in-on-chunk-of-homebase-in-pre-pack-sale-13253495 |website=Sky News |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Goldfingle |first1=Gemma |title=The Range owner snaps up Homebase brand and stores as it falls into administration |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/11/the-range-homebase/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}} It was later announced that The Range's garden centres would be rebranded as "Garden Centre by Homebase".{{cite web |title=The Range on LinkedIn: #therange #wilko |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-range_therange-wilko-activity-7262514419778174977-GskG |website=LinkedIn |access-date=14 November 2024 }}

It was reported that administrators had set a deadline of 29 November 2024 to sell the remaining 74 stores to other chains, with a reported 2,000 jobs at risk.{{cite web |date=23 November 2024 |title=Telford Homebase among 74 stores up for sale as chain collapses |url=https://www.shropshirelive.com/news/2024/11/23/telford-homebase-among-74-stores-up-for-sale-as-chain-collapses/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=Shropshire Live }}

On 28 November 2024, it was revealed that Marks & Spencer and Kingfisher plc (owner of B&Q and Screwfix) were interested in buying some of the remaining stores, with Home Bargains also expressing interest.{{cite web |title=M&S and Kingfisher among suitors circling Homebase stores |url=https://news.sky.com/story/mands-and-kingfisher-among-suitors-circling-homebase-stores-13262177 |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=Sky News }}{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Georgia |date=29 November 2024 |title=Kingfisher and M&S eye Homebase stores – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/11/kingfisher-ms-eye-homebase/ |access-date=29 November 2024 }}File:Hessle Homebase closing down, East Riding of Yorkshire Dec24.jpg, Yorkshire, administration signs are prominent as the store is in a closing down sale.]]On 23 December 2024, it was announced that CDS Superstores would convert the first three Homebase stores (Christchurch, Glasgow and Kings Heath) to The Range format on 17 January 2025, including the new ‘Garden Centre by Homebase’ concessions. It aims to change over around 10 stores every month, where the current administrators will transfer their ownership to CDS Superstores.{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=23 December 2024 |title=The Range to open first set of former Homebase stores next month – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/12/the-range-homebase-2/ |access-date=23 December 2024 }}

On Christmas Eve 2024, it was announced that B&Q would purchase and convert three Homebase stores in the Republic of Ireland.{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=24 December 2024 |title=B&Q acquires 3 Homebase stores in Ireland – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/12/bq-homebase-stores/ |access-date=24 December 2024 }} The remaining five Homebase stores in Ireland were not listed for sale.{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=24 December 2024 |title=B&Q acquires 3 Homebase stores in Ireland – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/12/bq-homebase-stores/ |access-date=24 December 2024 }}

On 6 January, it was announced that B&Q had purchased five stores (Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester), with plans to convert them to B&Q outlets in Spring 2025.{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=6 January 2025 |title=B&Q acquires 5 Homebase UK stores – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/01/bq-uk-homebase-stores/ |access-date=6 January 2025 }}

On 20 January, it was announced that 13 stores – Bradford, Broadstairs, Cheltenham, Colchester Stanway, Coventry, Derby Chaddesden, Gloucester, Hull Hessle, London Streatham Vale, Oban, Oldbury, Romford and Wolverhampton – would close at unspecified future dates.{{cite web |last=Schofield |first=Claire |date=20 January 2025 |title=Homebase closing 13 UK stores for good in January – full list of locations |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2002711/homebase-closing-uk-stores-locations |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Express.co.uk }}

On 21 January at midnight, the Homebase website was relaunched under CDS ownership, similar in appearance to Wilko's website. The website also uses the Bathstore brand.{{cite web |title=Homebase |url=https://www.homebase.co.uk |access-date=21 January 2025 |website=www.homebase.co.uk }}

On 3 February, the Jonas & James and The Range Kitchens brands (which are brands of CDS, having showrooms in some stores of The Range) would be merged together and rebranded to "Kitchens by Homebase". Homebase's branded DIY products would be brought back and begin to be sold at The Range's stores. The retailer also said they plan to convert 53 locations by the end of May 2025{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=3 February 2025 |title=Interview: How The Range plans to keep the Homebase brand alive - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/02/interview-the-range-homebase/ |access-date=3 February 2025 }}

On 5 February, it was reported that 33 non-CDS acquired Homebase stores would be closing by the end of February.{{cite web |last=Cornish |first=Phoebe |date=5 February 2025 |title=Full list of 33 Homebase stores closing for good this month |url=https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/2010383/homebase-store-closures-in-full |access-date=5 February 2025 |website=Express.co.uk }}

On 28 February, it was announced that Wickes would acquire four UK Homebase leases, including for one store that had already closed.{{cite web |last=Beevers |first=Angela |date=28 February 2025 |title=Wickes expands store footprint through acquisition of four Homebase stores {{!}} Retail Bulletin |url=https://www.theretailbulletin.com/home-and-diy/wickes-expands-store-footprint-through-acquisition-of-four-homebase-stores-28-02-2025/ |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=Retail Bulletin {{!}} Daily UK Retail News }}

In March 2025, The Range opened the first 'Kitchens by Homebase' concession, the final day of trading for the four remaining original Homebase stores was 22 March 2025.{{cite web |last=Schofield |first=Claire |date=22 March 2025 |title=New UK Homebase open now - and it's not a garden centre |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2030935/new-uk-homebase-open-now |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Express.co.uk }}

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Category:British companies established in 1981

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Category:Garden centres

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Category:Sainsbury's