Homebase to close Grimsby store

The Grimsby Telegraph has reported that staff at Grimsby's Homebase have been informed that the shop is set to close and could be replaced by a rival store later this year.

They were told about the decision by bosses on Wednesday.

The Grimsby Telegraph understands the store will be replaced by home, leisure and garden store The Range in October – however, this is yet to be confirmed.

As yet, it is also unknown what will happen to the jobs of the staff employed at the store.

A spokesman for the Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase, confirmed that the Grimsby store is likely to close.

She said: "We can confirm that the business has entered a period of consultation concerning the proposed closure of our store in Grimsby.

"Colleagues at the store have been informed and we will be working with them over the next few weeks to support them as much as possible.

"Homebase continues to be committed to providing employment opportunities and great customer service to people in the area.

"Due to commercial sensitivities, we are unable to comment further at this time."

In 2012, Homebase announced that they would be closing 40 stores over the next five years.

The retailer has 65 store leases coming up for renewal over the next five years, and says it is planning to close all but 25 of them.

This is part of their decision to halt expansion and to concentrate on multi-channel development, as seen with their introduction of Argos in some of their Homebase stores.

Nevertheless, Home Retail, which owns Argos and Homebase, has recently said it expects profits to be slightly ahead of market forecasts.

Internet sales have also grown year on year.

Originally known as CDS Superstores, The Range originated in the markets in the south-west and was founded by Plymouth entrepreneur Chris Dawson.

The expanding company boasts 88 stores nationwide, including nearby Lincoln and Scunthorpe, but more are expected to be announced soon.

The Range has more than 65,000 products and more than 16 different departments, including DIY, homewares, furniture, lighting, arts, crafts and soft furnishings.

In 2009, The Range was ranked 121st on the Sunday Times' Price Waterhouse Company top track and 250th on the league table tracking the UK's fastest growing companies.

A spokesman for The Range was unable to confirm or deny if they were planning to open a store in the area.

Source : Grimsby Telegraph
www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Grimsby-s-Homebase-DIY-store-facing-closure-Range/story-21078835-detail/story.html