Homebase launches social media offering

Home & DIY specialist Homebase is to improve its social media presence as it launches pages on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube today.

Hoping to increase its digital offering, the retailer has unveiled its official Facebook page as well as two Twitter accounts, one of which will be dedicated to answering customer service queries.

An existing YouTube channel has been re-launched with a new look and updated video content.

In a statement announcing the updates, Homebase said it hopes its new pages will provide inspiration to cash-strapped shoppers as the DIY sector struggles to overcome economic difficulty.

Nectar Bespoke monthly trends featured on its Facebook page will offer advice on how to recreate looks in the home and Homebase experts will also provide tips, while Nectar promotions will be featured.

Homebase Marketing Director, Jo Kenrick welcomed the move, saying: “This activity will complement our existing multichannel presence supporting the Homebase website, our gardening site getintogardening.co.uk and iPhone app.”

This announcement follows news of success of its in-store interactive touch screens, a digital media solution which allows customers to upload photos of rooms in their homes in order to visualise how these spaces would look alongside products from the retailer’s selection of bathroom, bedroom, living room or kitchen ranges.

In order to celebrate the launch of its social media offerings, Homebase will be offering anyone who ‘likes’ its Facebook page 30 extra Nectar points on their next purchase as a means of marking Homebase’s 30th anniversary this year. Further Nectar campaigns will also be launched throughout the year and into 2012.

Kenrick added: “Homebase is increasingly being mentioned throughout the social media space. We wanted to ensure we can respond to customers’ questions and suggestions as well as provide them with inspiration and practical advice from our expert team, all in the space where they are already active.”

Source : Gemma Taylor – Retail Gazette
www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/02130-homebase-launches-social-media-offering