Homebase is set to shut two more stores over the coming weeks - and has launched a major closing down sale. The homeware and DIY high street retailer is closing the two branches in Bury St Edmunds and Maidenhead in the coming few weeks, following its collapse into administration several months ago. The branch on Easlea Road, in Bury St Edmunds, is scheduled to shut its doors for the final time at the end of this month on February 28.
The retailer's branch on Stafferton Way, in Maidenhead, has yet to have a closure date confirmed. However, a closing down sale has been launched with discounts of up to 70% on some items. Signs have been put up in both stores which read: "Store Closing. Everything Must Go!" Homebase's most recent closure took place on February 16, when its store in Selby, North Yorkshire pulled down its shutters for the final time.
A spokesperson for administrators Teneo said: "All employee wages and benefits will be paid for their period of employment. The joint administrators’ priority is working closely with government agencies to provide support to affected employees.". Homebase fell into administration back in November last year and, at the time, had 133 UK stores and employed 3,600 staff. After the announcement, the Homebase brand was quickly sold to the Range and Wilko owner CDS. This deal included up to 70 locations and around 1,600 jobs.
The retailer later announced that another 74 sites had been put up for sale, with a deadline of November 29 set for bids. The 74 sites put up for sale included 62 in England, four in Scotland, and another four in Northern Ireland. Three stores in the Republic of Ireland and one in Wales were also put up for sale. In January, B&Q agreed to buy five branches. However, the retailer later confirmed that a further 13 would be closing that month.
With the closure of the 13 Homebase sites last month, the future of around 50 stores was still being decided. However, Homebase administrator Teneo has not confirmed this figure. With more closures taking place over the last few weeks, it appears that the retailer was unable to sell those which were left.
Several Homebase stores, including those in Morecambe, Winchester, Selby, and Derby Kingsway, have displayed unexpected closure notices in recent months, despite never being listed for sale. Although, it could be assumed that these locations might have been earmarked for rescue by CDS Superstores, the owner of The Range and Wilko. So far, CDS has only confirmed the rescue of 12 stores so far, leaving the total number of saved locations unclear.
The administrator says all Homebase workers are being consulted and supported as negotiations continue. According to reports, 26 Homebase stores remain on the market, while the future of another 43 stores that were never listed for sale remains uncertain. Both Teneo and CDS Superstores declined to comment on the reports.
