A HUGE DIY chain has launched a half price closing down sale at a “handy” branch as six stores are set to close before Christmas.
The Homebase outlets in Sutton Coldfield and Bromsgrove are two of the stores earmarked for closure and have started selling off their stock with huge discounts.
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One bargain hunter saw the enticing deals available and spread the word on social media.
He took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group on Facebook to share the huge savings that could be made.
Along with pictures of the offers, he wrote: “Homebase Sutton Coldfield & Bromsgrove
“50% Off Weekend Deals.
“These 2 Stores Only!
“J.A.B. 50L Compost Only £4!
“Sophia Chairs Only £65!
“Must End Monday 28th Oct.
“While Stocks Last!”
Further details about the closure of the Sutton Coldfield site were given by the local MP Andrew Mitchell.
In a Facebook post he said: “Sutton Coldfield residents may be aware of plans to convert the Homebase store at the Beggars Bush into a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.
“The DIY store is currently in the process of closing down, and I have received a letter from Sainsbury’s letting me know that a planning application has been put forward for the site.
“The Homebase store is expected to become vacant by the end of this year, with work starting to convert it to a Sainsbury’s in early 2025 which will open later in the year.”
Mr Mitchell added that all Homebase staff would be guaranteed an interview.
Residents were saddened by the news of the store closing.
One wrote: “Sorry to see Homebase closing. With Wilko gone nowhere nearby to buy DIY essentials.”
Another added: “I’m saddened by the loss of Homebase. It was such a handy store and the next one is a considerable drive.
“I’m glad to see the Sainsbury’s will be eco-friendly but is it really needed with there being so many supermarkets already there.”
HISTORY OF HOMEBASE
- 1979: Homebase was founded by the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s and Belgian retailer GB-Inno-BM
- April 1981: The first store opened in Croydon
- October 1981: The second store opened in Leeds
- 1989: Homebase opened its 50th store in Norwich
- 1995: The chain boasted 82 stores and Sainsbury’s acquired all 241 Texas Homecare stores
- 1996-1999: All Texas Homecare stores were converted into the Homebase format
- 2001: Sainsbury’s sells Homebase but retains a 17.3% minority stake until 2002
- 2006: Homebase operated as a subsidiary under the Home Retail Group from October 2006 until 2016
- February 2016: Australian retailer Wesfarmers owner of the Bunnings brand, purchased Homebase for £340million
- February 2018: Wesfarmers reported losses relating to the takeover of £57million in the year to June 2017, and soon decided to implement a review of the business
- May 2018: Hilco bought the hardware store chain for just £1
- 2018-2024: Homebase has closed 106 stores since it was taken over by Hilco Capital
A third person posted: “No, that is awful. We have loads of supermarkets already. Homebase was the only reason I ever went anywhere near that area.”
Stores in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby will all close over the busy festive period.
Shoppers visiting the affected stores can now get hefty discounts on everything from kitchens to furniture and homeware.
All six stores listed above will close before Christmas in December, though exact dates have yet to be confirmed.
Three more Homebase sites in Derry/Londonderry, Inverurie, and Omagh are also set to close in the coming months, but Homebase hasn’t confirmed when this will occur.
All 10 stores were sold to Sainsbury’s
after the company agreed to acquire them from the DIY chain in August.
Once all stores are closed, Sainsbury’s will convert the units into new supermarkets.
The acquisition of the stores and refit programme to follow is expected to cost Sainsbury’s £130million.
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