Wesfarmers reverses decision to close Homebase Omagh

It has been revealed today that Wesfarmers, the Australian conglomerate who acquired the Homebase chain in February of this year, have reversed the decision to close its store in Omagh, Northern Ireland.

Over 30 jobs were at risk when staff were originally notified of the planned store closure in a letter dated 10th December 2015. However, in January, news broke that Wesfarmers had purchased the 265 store Homebase chain from Home Retail Group.

Read - Wesfarmers agreement to acquire Homebase.

At the time, Wesfarmers promised to invest £500 million in the Homebase business over the next three to five years to build a new retail business under the ‘Bunnings’ brand, the leading home improvement and outdoor retailer in Australia and New Zealand.

Earlier today, Wesfarmers confirmed that it had reversed the proposal to close the Homebase premises in Omagh, saving 32 jobs.

A company statement said, “Since Bunnings bought Homebase earlier this year, we have been working hard to stop as many store closures as possible and provide certainty to our team and customers. We are pleased to confirm that 32 jobs have been saved by reversing the decision to close Homebase in Omagh.”

Read - Wesfarmers working to halt Homebase store closures.

Store staff who were clearly delighted with the decision, took to social media today to react to the news. 

“From all the staff we just want to say a massive thank you to all our fantastic customers for your support over the last year,” read the statement on the store’s Facebook page.

“We look forward to helping serve our community for many years to come!”

Source: Insight DIY Team

Homebase Omagh image -  © Copyright Kenneth Allen and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence