Bishop’s Stortford’s Homebase store set to become branch of The Range
Staff at Bishop’s Stortford’s Homebase have been told the out-of-town store is to become a branch of The Range.
On social media, workers have reassured customers that the home and garden centre off Stansted Road is one of the outlets snapped up by the retail chain in a rescue deal.
Homebase stores in Saffron Walden and Harlow did not make the cut and are among 74 on the market, with M&S and Kingfisher, which owns B&Q, said to be ready to buy up to 25 each.
Home Bargains has been named as the potential bidder for a small number of sites. In August, Sainsbury’s agreed to acquire 10 Homebase stores to convert into supermarkets.
A clearance sale is under way at Bishop’s Stortford’s Homebase but no date has yet been announced for its doors to shut. Staff said they were now playing a waiting game but expected to become part of The Range team in due course.
Last month, Homebase collapsed into administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk. Its owner, Hilco, failed to find an outright buyer but sold around 70 stores and the Homebase brand to The Range’s owner, CDS Superstores, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs.
Then group chief executive Alex Simpkin said: “The Homebase brand will continue to trade online and the acquired stores will continue to trade as Homebase over the coming months until they are transferred to CDS, when they will quickly reopen as The Range superstores.
“These stores will include everything you’d expect from The Range, combined with much broader choice across garden, showroom and DIY categories, retaining the best of the Homebase expertise and heritage. We plan to continue to invest in the Homebase brand, with many initiatives in the pipeline.
“We’re expecting to secure up to 1,600 jobs, with Homebase team members joining the CDS family as part of the 70 store acquisitions.
“We’re conscious there will be a number of other experienced team members who are facing uncertainty. We’re committed to prioritising interviews for any vacant positions within our The Range and Wilko brands across the country.”
CDS acquired the Wilko brand last year when the retailer collapsed. Its branch in Jackson Square in Bishop’s Stortford closed permanently.
The Indie has contacted The Range for comment about its Bishop’s Stortford plans.