Seven Homebase stores to close

News has reached the Insight DIY offices that there are now seven Homebase stores closing in the near future, including the Homebase in York and Hatfield which we picked up in recent weeks.

Read - First Homebase under Hilco ownership to close.

Read - Homebase York to close on 4th July.

The notification of the store closures was emailed to suppliers earlier today and includes the following branches:-

• York (store 882).
• Chippenham (296).
• Hatfield (57).
• Colchester, St.Andrews Avenue (26).
• Whitchurch (832).
• Wick (821).
• Splalding (833).

In the communication to suppliers, Homebase confirmed "the list of seven stores have been confirmed for closure in the near future. If suppliers have any outstanding orders for the stores, please contact the store order teams".

It's unknown at this stage whether the stores are closing permanently or whether they're being taken on by a competing retailer, discounter or grocery store, but as soon as we know more, we'll be the first to let you know.

In February, Wesfarmers announced that forty Homebase stores had been identified for closure, although it's now clear they decided not to proceed with the closures, preferring to let the new owner Hilco Capital do the dirty work for them.

Read - Wesfarmers completes sale of Homebase three weeks early.

It's understood that as many as 60 stores could be closed by Hilco in the next 2 months, although we're unlikely to receive any formal press release from the venture capitalist business. It appears that we will hear about these closures piece-meal, either from suppliers or by the 'store closing' signs that appear outside the store.

Read - An open letter regarding Homebase to the board of Hilco Capital.

Source: Insight DIY Team

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