Dumbarton Homebase to close

Staff at the Dumbarton branch of Homebase face an uncertain New Year as bosses confirm the store is set to close.

The DIY paint and tool superstore confirmed that it was currently consulting with staff about plans to lease the store at St James’ Retail Park to another company.

Homebase said staff would be offered an interview for a job in the new store but refused to reveal which firm is poised to take over the premises.

A Homebase spokeswoman also remained tight-lipped over how many staff jobs were under threat or when the consultation period is due to end.

She said the company would look at transferring workers to nearby Homebase stores as well as Argos shops if possible, as the two firms are owned by the same parent company, Home Retail Group.

The nearest Homebase stores are in Greenock and Milngavie. There is an Argos store at the St James’ Retail Park.

A Homesbase spokeswoman said: “Homebase can confirm that the business has entered a period of consultation with colleagues regarding the proposed assignment of the Dumbarton Homebase store lease to another retailer.

“This proposed transfer is part of our plan to reduce store numbers to help enable us to have a smaller but stronger business, better positioned to support future investment and realise potential for greater growth.

“Subject to consultation, we would be looking to find roles within the local area for those colleagues affected by the changes.

“Any impacted colleagues will be invited for an interview for future employment in the transferred store.

“We would also be looking at capacity in any nearby Homebase and Argos stores with a view to redeploying colleagues wherever possible, should the proposed transfer go ahead.”

The planned closure comes after Home Retail Group revealed earlier this year that one in of four of their stores will close by 2019.

As well as Homebase and Argos the group also owns Habitat and provides financial services for shoppers in the form of store cards for Argos and Homebase.

Source : Dumbarton Reporter
www.dumbartonreporter.co.uk/news/dumbarton/articles/2014/12/26/519669-dumbarton-homebase-set-to-close/