View source for Homebase

{{Short description|British DIY retail chain, 1981 to 2025}}
{{About|the original British home improvement and garden centre retailer that traded from 1981 to 2025|its successor operating online and as a concession within The Range stores|Homebase (brand)|other uses|Homebase (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Homebase
| logo = Homebase logo.svg
| logo_size = 300px
| industry = [[Home improvement center|Home improvement]] and [[Garden centre|garden centre]] retailer
| foundation = {{Start date|1981|03|03|df=y}}
| defunct = {{End date|2025|03|22|df=y}}
| fate = [[Administration in United Kingdom law|Administration]]
| products = {{ubl|[[Do it yourself|DIY]] tools|[[Paint]] & decor|Outdoor living|Kitchens|Bathrooms|Gardening}}
}}

'''Homebase''' was a British [[Home improvement center|home improvement]] and [[garden centre]] retailer that operated across the United Kingdom and Ireland.  

It was founded by British supermarket chain [[Sainsbury's]] and Belgian retailer [[GIB Group|GB-Inno-BM]] in March 1981, as '''Sainsbury's Homebase'''. By the end of the 1980s, it opened its fiftieth store, making it the UK's fourth biggest home improvement retailer.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Story of Homebase {{!}} Stories {{!}} Sainsbury Archive |url=https://www.sainsburyarchive.org.uk/story/stories/the-story-of-homebase |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=www.sainsburyarchive.org.uk}}</ref> 

The retailer purchased rival [[Texas Homecare]] in January 1995, which helped grow its market share to third place, behind [[B&Q]] and [[Focus DIY|Focus]]-[[Wickes]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Week |first=Marketing |date=4 August 1995 |title=Texas move forces exit of senior trio |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/texas-move-forces-exit-of-senior-trio/ |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Marketing Week }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tran |first=Mark |date=21 November 2002 |title=Argos owner to buy Homebase |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2002/nov/21/privateequity |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 1999, it was renamed to '''Homebase''', and then sold to Schroder Ventures in December 2000. In November 2002, it was sold to [[Argos Retail Group]], which later became Home Retail Group in October 2006.

In January 2016, [[Wesfarmers]] purchased Homebase in a botched attempt to convert the stores to its [[Bunnings|Bunnings Warehouse]] format, ultimately losing £1&nbsp;billion in total.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 May 2018 |title=Homebase sold for £1 as DIY disaster ends for Wesfarmers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44248409 |access-date=4 December 2024 |work=BBC News }}</ref> In August 2018, Homebase was sold to restructuring firm [[Hilco Capital|Hilco]] for £1. Subsequently, Hilco announced that it would close 42 of the chain's stores, and cut 1,500 jobs through a [[company voluntary arrangement]] (CVA), in an attempt to return it to profitability. By February 2020, Homebase had 164 outlets and had returned to profitability earlier than expected, with Hilco listing the retailer for sale in November 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shepard |first=Rosie |date=13 November 2020 |title=As ‘for sale’ sign is raised over Homebase who might be potential buyers? |url=https://www.retail-week.com/home-and-diy/as-for-sale-sign-is-raised-over-homebase-who-might-be-potential-buyers/7036218.article |access-date=6 April 2025 |website=Retail Week }}</ref>

In November 2024, Hilco placed Homebase into [[Administration in United Kingdom law|administration]] with 3,446 jobs and 135 stores at risk. [[CDS Superstores]] acquired the Homebase website, brand and 49 of its stores to convert as The Range.<ref>{{cite web |title=HHGL LIMITED filing history – Find and update company information – GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00533033/filing-history |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk }}</ref> [[B&Q]] acquired eight stores in the UK and Ireland, as well as [[Wickes]] acquiring four UK stores.<ref>{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=24 December 2024 |title=B&Q acquires 3 Homebase stores in Ireland – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/12/bq-homebase-stores/ |access-date=24 December 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Beevers |first=Angela |date=28 February 2025 |title=Wickes expands store footprint through acquisition of four Homebase stores {{!}} Retail Bulletin |url=https://www.theretailbulletin.com/home-and-diy/wickes-expands-store-footprint-through-acquisition-of-four-homebase-stores-28-02-2025/ |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=Retail Bulletin {{!}} Daily UK Retail News }}</ref> At midnight on 21 January 2025, Homebase's website was re-established by CDS Superstores, and the final four original Homebase stores closed down on 22 March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=The Range is set to move into former Homebase store in Market Harborough |url=https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/people/the-range-is-set-to-move-into-former-homebase-store-in-market-harborough-5048321 |access-date=6 April 2025 |website=Harborough Mail }}</ref>

==History==
===Sainsbury's ownership===
Homebase's concept was created by the supermarket chain [[Sainsbury's]] and [[Belgium|Belgian]] retailer GB-Inno-BM in 1979. The goal was to bring a supermarket style layout to the British Do It Yourself (DIY) market. The first actual store was in [[Croydon]], opening on 3 March 1981, located on [[Purley Way]], originally as '''Sainsbury's Homebase'''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Homebase owner to close up to 60 stores in CVA |url=https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-owner-to-close-up-to-60-stores-in-cva/6361.htm |access-date=2 March 2025 |website=www.insightdiy.co.uk}}</ref>

Early in its history, Homebase used its Sainsbury's experience to move into using central warehouses from which to deliver its stock. By the 1990s, it was receiving the vast majority of its stock into central warehouses, then delivering it to stores.

Homebase tripled in size in January 1995, when Sainsbury's bought rival store group [[Texas Homecare]] from [[Ladbrokes Coral|Ladbrokes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/sainsburys-buys-out-texas-diy-1569729.html|title=Sainsbury's buys out Texas DIY|last=Cope|first=Nigel|date=26 January 1995|website=The Independent|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref> These stores were rebranded and converted to the Homebase format, beginning in February 1996, with the store in [[Longwell Green]], [[Bristol]]. The transformation was completed by 1999.

By the time of the purchase, Texas had staff totalling 11,600, and Homebase had 4,500.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sainsburys-tipped-to-buy-texas-1567974.html|title=Sainsbury's tipped to buy Texas|last=Cope|first=Nigel|date=13 January 1995|website=The Independent|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

In October 1999, Sainsbury's bought Hampden Group, the franchisee of ten Homebase stores in Ireland. 

From 1999, Homebase used former ''[[Men Behaving Badly]]'' couple [[Neil Morrissey]] and [[Leslie Ash]] as a couple. Morrissey and Ash were the face of the brand for six years, until March 2005.

In August 2000, the former chief executive of Texas Homecare, Ron Trenter, made an ultimately unsuccessful bid for Homebase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4463032/Ex-Texas-chief-may-join-Homebase-bid.html|title=Ex-Texas chief may join Homebase bid|last=Rankine|first=Kate|date=25 August 2000|website=The Telegraph|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref> In September 2000, [[Focus DIY|Focus Do It All]] considered acquiring Homebase, but instead decided to acquire [[Great Mills (DIY)|Great Mills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/focus-targets-homebase-after-wickes-yields-to-pound289m-bid-700102.html|title=Focus targets Homebase after Wickes yields to £289m bid|last=Shah|first=Saeed|date=1 September 2000|website=The Independent|access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> The next month, [[Home Depot]] joined the race to acquire Homebase,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4467112/Home-Depot-in-Homebase-race.html|title=Home Depot in Homebase race|last=Bennett|first=Neil|date=1 October 2000|website=The Telegraph|access-date=13 November 2016}}</ref> but was not successful.

===Schroder Ventures ownership===
[[File:Axis-Centre-Longford-2007.jpg|thumb|A branch of Homebase in [[Longford]], Ireland.]]On 22 December 2000, Sainsbury's sold the Homebase chain in a two-part deal worth £969&nbsp;million: in March 2001, the sale of the chain of 283 stores to venture capitalist [[Permira|Schroder Ventures]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=Homebase sale completed |publisher=J Sainsbury plc |date=2 March 2001 |url=http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/index.asp?PageID=424&subsection=&Year=2001&NewsID=109 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927035222/http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/index.asp?PageID=424&subsection=&Year=2001&NewsID=109 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=21 November 2006 }}</ref> generated £750&nbsp;million, and the sale of 28&nbsp;development sites to [[Kingfisher plc]], parent of Homebase rival [[B&Q]], generated £219&nbsp;million. At the time, the chain had 13% of the market in the United Kingdom, with 283 stores and 17,000 employees, behind B&Q and [[Focus DIY|Focus Do It All]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1082731.stm |title=Sainsbury's sells Homebase |work=BBC News |access-date=30 September 2013 |date=22 December 2000}}</ref>

===Argos / Home Retail Group ownership===
[[File:Homebase_Antrim,_August_2009.JPG|thumb|A branch of Homebase in [[Antrim, County Antrim|Antrim]], Northern Ireland.]]
In November 2002, Homebase was sold to Argos Retail Group (ARG), a subsidiary of [[GUS (retailer)|GUS plc]], for £900&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|title=GUS snaps up Homebase|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2497923.stm|access-date=22 February 2015|work=BBC News|date=21 November 2002}}</ref> In October 2006, GUS [[Demerger|demerged]] [[Experian]] and renamed Argos Retail Group to Home Retail Group.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Ros |date=28 March 2006 |title=GUS to demerge Experian and Argos |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/mar/28/retail.money |access-date=5 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In March 2005, Homebase launched a series of new television advertisements created by [[AMV BBDO]], featuring the new slogan "Make a house a home."<ref>{{cite web |title=Homebase unveils first advertising for six years without Neil Morrissey and Leslie Ash |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/article/463797/homebase-unveils-first-advertising-six-years-without-neil-morrissey-leslie-ash |access-date=30 September 2013 |publisher=BrandRepublic}}</ref> From 2005 to 2008, these adverts used the song "[[Love Machine (Girls Aloud song)|Love Machine]]" by [[Girls Aloud]]. From 2007 to 2008, "[[Orinoco Flow]]" by [[Enya]] was used. From 2009 to 2013, "Young Folks" by [[Peter Bjorn and John]] featuring [[Victoria Bergsman]] was used.

In October 2007,  Home Retail Group agreed the purchase of 27 leasehold properties from [[Focus DIY]], to be bought for £40&nbsp;million in cash. The properties were transferred over the period up to 31 December 2007, and were then refitted to the Homebase fascia over the course of several months.

No other infrastructure, and no merchandise stock were acquired as part of the transaction, although staff in these Focus stores transferred to Homebase.

In May 2009, Homebase discontinued its loyalty programme, the Spend & Save Card, and replaced it with the [[Nectar (loyalty card)|Nectar loyalty card]] scheme,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Homebase Scrap Spend & Save Card and join Nectar |date=16 March 2009 |publisher=Homebase |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/891004/Homebase-replace-Spend---Save-Nectar-scheme/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH |access-date=16 March 2009}}</ref> the United Kingdom's largest retail loyalty card. The Spend & Save card had been operated by Homebase since 1982, and was believed to be one of the first store loyalty cards in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smithers |first1=Rebecca |date=26 July 2012 |title=How loyal to your reward cards are you? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2012/jul/26/how-loyal-are-you-to-your-reward-cards |access-date=22 February 2015 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

In July 2013, Home Retail Group said the stores in Ireland had not made a profit in the previous five years, and that it intended to close three of the fifteen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0716/462772-examiner-appointed-to-homebase-ireland/|title=Interim examiner appointed to Homebase Ireland|date=16 July 2013|website=RTÉ News|access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref> [[File:Homebase and Argos, Moor Allerton District Centre, Leeds (31st December 2014).JPG|thumb|A branch of Homebase in [[Leeds]], inclusive of an [[Argos (retailer)|Argos]] concession. This hybrid format had been introduced in 2014.]]In April 2013, Homebase faced criticism over a poster in a London store. The poster appeared to highlight the benefits of free labour through work experience, called [[Workfare in the United Kingdom|Workfare]]. The offending poster depicted a number of volunteer staff at the Haringey branch and was captioned: "How the work experience programme can benefit your store. Would 750 hours with no payroll costs help YOUR store?"<ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=Protest at Bristol Homebase over 'workfare' row |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Protest-Bristol-Homebase-workfare-row/story-18677652-detail/story.html#axzz2PvV1rZlN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415235017/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Protest-Bristol-Homebase-workfare-row/story-18677652-detail/story.html#axzz2PvV1rZlN |archive-date=15 April 2013 |access-date=11 April 2013 |work=The Bristol Post}}</ref> Homebase responded that "Any individual involved in work experience is provided with a training plan to help them understand the different parts of the store operation in order to help them go on to secure a job (either within our business or elsewhere). We ensure they work alongside, not replace, paid colleagues. They are entirely under no obligation to participate, nor will non participation affect any benefits."<ref>{{cite web |title=Homebase denies using work experience staff to cut costs |url=https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-denies-using-work-experience-staff-to-cut-costs/2441.htm |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=www.insightdiy.co.uk}}</ref>

In May 2014, Homebase launched the Homebase ''Design Centres''. The new look stores had a ''Decorating Ideas'' and ''Advice Centre'', offering touch screen technology, to help customers transform the look of rooms in their homes.

Following a review of the business, Home Retail Group announced in October 2014 that it would close around a quarter of Homebase stores by 2019, and that it would increase the number of Argos and [[Habitat (retailer)|Habitat]] concessions within the stores.<ref>{{cite news|title=Homebase to accelerate store closures|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29719512|access-date=22 February 2015|work=BBC News|date=22 October 2014}}</ref> In April 2015, former [[Tesco]] executive Echo Lu succeeded Paul Loft as Managing Director.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tugby |first=Luke |url=http://www.retail-week.com/people/in-the-news-homebases-new-managing-director-echo-lu-profiled/5073160.article |title=In the news: Homebase's new managing director Echo Lu profiled |publisher=Retail Week |date=19 March 2015 |access-date=2 August 2015}}</ref>

===Wesfarmers ownership===
On 18 January 2016, it was announced that Australian retailer Wesfarmers, owners of Australia's leading hardware store Bunnings, would acquire Homebase for £340&nbsp;million, subject to shareholder approval.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35340384 |title=Homebase bought by Australia's Wesfarmers for £340m |work=BBC News |date=18 January 2016 |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref> The transfer of ownership to Wesfarmers took place on 27 February 2016<ref>{{cite news|last1=Neilan|first1=Catherine|title=Homebase to be rebranded Bunnings after Wesfarmers completes £340m acquisition from Home Retail Group – now what's happening with Argos?|url=http://www.cityam.com/235594/homebase-to-be-rebranded-bunnings-after-wesfarmers-completes-340m-acquisition-from-home-retail-group-now-whats-happening-with-argos|access-date=29 February 2016|work=[[City AM]]|date=29 February 2016}}</ref> and afterwards Peter Davis was appointed Managing Director, succeeding Echo Lu.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|title=Bunnings pilots will create key opportunities for suppliers|url=http://www.hortweek.com/bunnings-pilots-will-create-key-opportunities-suppliers/retail/article/1411798|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Horticulture Week|date=14 October 2016}}</ref>

Wesfarmers announced in June 2016 that it had cancelled the plans by Home Retail Group to close seven stores, and would seek to prevent the closure of eleven others. It described the closure of five additional stores as "unavoidable".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Misiri|first1=Talya|title=Wesfarmers to save up to 700 Homebase jobs|url=http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2016/06/wesfarmers-to-save-up-to-700-homebase-jobs|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Retail Gazette|date=23 June 2016}}</ref> It was also announced that [[Archie Norman]] was to advise on the turnaround of Homebase under Wesfarmers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/22/archie-norman-returns-to-uk-retail-with-homebase-revival/|title=Archie Norman returns to UK retail with Homebase revival|work=The Telegraph|date=22 June 2016|access-date=1 October 2016|first=Ashley|last=Armstrong}}</ref>

[[Laura Ashley (company)|Laura Ashley plc]] confirmed in October 2016 that it would remove its concessions trading in 22 Homebase stores by the second quarter of 2017, as Wesfarmers sought to remove all concessions and adopt the same business model as its Australian and New Zealand business.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenblat|first1=Eli|title=Wesfarmers revamps UK hardware chain by ditching Laura Ashley|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/wesfarmers-revamps-uk-hardware-chain-by-ditching-laura-ashley/news-story/f53e4017bded31f2f58e82b0c7e07028|access-date=28 October 2016|work=The Australian|date=25 October 2016}}</ref>[[File:Bunnings Warehouse Weston super Mare (3 to 1 crop).jpg|thumb|A branch in [[Worle]], Somerset that had been converted from Homebase to the Bunnings Warehouse format.|alt=]]The company moved its headquarters within [[Milton Keynes]] in December 2016, from premises previously shared with former sister company Argos.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardy |first1=Emily |date=31 October 2016 |title=Homebase to split from Argos with new headquarters |url=https://www.retail-week.com/sectors/home-and-diy/homebase-to-split-from-argos-with-new-headquarters/7013427.article |access-date=1 November 2016 |work=Retail Week}}</ref>

Following the sale to Wesfarmers, Homebase left the Nectar scheme on 31 December 2016.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 June 2016 |title=Homebase to leave Nectar points scheme at end of 2016 |url=http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/money-tips/homebase-to-leave-nectar-points-scheme-at-end-of-2016-11364066728918 |access-date=28 October 2016 |publisher=BT |agency=Love Money}}</ref>

Bunnings confirmed in November 2016 that the Homebase store in [[St Albans]] would be the first to be re-branded as [[Bunnings|Bunnings Warehouse]] as part of a trial, and opened in February 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bunnings DIY store opening causes Aussie sizzle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38842021|access-date=9 February 2017|work=BBC News|date=2 February 2017}}</ref> An additional three were planned to be opened by June 2017, with up to six more completed by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bunnings unveils pilot store plans to BHETA members|url=http://www.housewareslive.net/bunnings-unveils-pilot-store-plans-to-bheta-members|access-date=12 November 2016|work=Housewares Live|date=8 November 2016}}</ref> The stores adopted a low-cost warehouse model.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|title=Homebase looks ahead to future renamed as Bunnings|url=http://www.hortweek.com/homebase-looks-ahead-future-renamed-bunnings/retail/article/1408376|access-date=28 October 2016|work=Horticulture Week|date=9 September 2016}}</ref>

In February 2018, Wesfarmers reported losses relating to the takeover of £57&nbsp;million in the year to June 2017, and stated that it would begin a review of the business.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Sarah|title='Botched' Homebase takeover puts hundreds of jobs at risk|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/feb/05/botched-takeover-threatens-homebase-bunnings-jobs|access-date=9 April 2018|work=The Guardian|date=5 February 2018}}</ref> Wesfarmers sought buyers for the business in March,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Withers|first1=Iain|title=Homebase owner seeks buyers as DIY chain turnaround flounders|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/03/31/homebase-owner-seeks-buyers-diy-chain-turnaround-flounders/|access-date=9 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=31 March 2018}}</ref> and by May, had received bids from restructuring firms Alteri Investors and [[Hilco Capital|Hilco]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Espinoza|first1=Javier|title=Potential bidders emerge for Homebase|url=https://www.ft.com/content/df130b06-5e9f-11e8-ad91-e01af256df68|access-date=23 May 2018|work=Financial Times|date=23 May 2018}}</ref>

===Hilco ownership===
On 25 May 2018, it was announced that Homebase had been sold by Wesfarmers to turnaround specialists Hilco, for a nominal one pound sterling.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44248409|title=DIY disaster ends as Homebase sold for £1|date=25 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> Hilco took ownership of the business on 12 June 2018 through a new holding company, '''HHGL Limited.''' All 24 stores converted to the Bunnings format were rebranded back to Homebase. At the end of August 2018, a [[company voluntary arrangement]] (CVA) proposed by Hilco to close 42 stores, and reduce rent on others, was approved by Homebase's creditors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45180984|title=Homebase to close 42 stores and cut jobs|date=14 August 2018|website=BBC News|access-date=14 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45184971|title=Homebase: The stores that will close|date=14 August 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>

The stores identified for closure in the CVA were planned to close by the beginning of 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Homebase rescue plan voted through by creditors |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45367910 |access-date=2 September 2018 |work=BBC News |date=31 August 2018}}</ref> Homebase secured a £95&nbsp;million asset lending contract with [[Wells Fargo]] Capital Finance on 26 November 2018.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Homebase Completes Refinancing with Wells Fargo |url=https://wellsfargocapitalfinance.com/uk/2018/11/26/homebase-completes-refinancing-wells-fargo-london-26-november-2018/ |access-date=28 December 2018 |publisher=Wells Fargo |date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On 24 December 2018, Hilco opened its first redesigned store nicknamed BoB (Best of Both) in Orpington.<ref>{{cite news |title=Homebase Orpington Gets a Makeover |url=http://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-orpington-gets-a-makeover/6776.htm |access-date=28 December 2018 |publisher=InsightDIY |date=24 December 2018}}</ref> The store featured traditional Homebase "gondola" shelving alongside the Bunnings red racking, with a heavy focus on decorating, moving away from Wesfarmers' primary focus on tools. At that time Homebase had over 170 stores in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Appleby|first1=Matthew|url=http://www.hortweek.com/analysts-give-reaction-homebase-bunnings-quarterly-results/retail/article/1431882|title=Analysts give their reaction to Homebase/Bunnings quarterly results|date=28 April 2017|work=Horticulture Week|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> with a further eleven in Ireland.

In February 2020, it was announced that Homebase had returned to profit earlier than initially forecast, with nearly all of its 164 locations profitable. The company said that its overhauled website, and the reintroduction of in-store concessions (many of which were removed by Wesfarmers) had helped it to achieve the reprise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/02/homebase-returns-profit-earlier-expected/|title=Homebase returns to profit earlier than expected |work=Retail Gazette|last=Jahshan|first=Elias|date=27 February 2020 |access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> Homebase confirmed that it would exit its CVA earlier than planned by April 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eley |first1=Jonathan |title=Homebase to exit CVA early after returning to profit |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e2dd3b22-5938-11ea-a528-dd0f971febbc |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=27 February 2020}}</ref> In November 2020, Hilco put Homebase up for sale.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eley |first1=Jonathan |title=Hilco puts Homebase up for sale |url=https://www.ft.com/content/bbb06f6b-6567-4795-9750-58305eea1cfb |access-date=28 January 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=11 November 2020}}</ref>

In 2021, [[Hugh Osmond]] was understood to have been assembling a takeover bid for Homebase for £300&nbsp;million.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last1=Fish |first1=Isabella |title=Homebase goes into administration with jobs at risk |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/homebase-heads-for-administration-0rqsvxbdm |website=The Times |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

In February 2024, Hilco put Homebase up for sale for the second time within four years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase for sale for second time within four years |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/02/homebase-up-for-sale/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=27 February 2024}}</ref> In the same month, it was reported that Homebase had made heavy losses in the previous year, with Hilco continuing to look for a buyer, and that [[B&M|B&M European Value Retail]] and [[The Range (retailer)|CDS (Superstores International)]] (owner of The Range and [[Wilko]]) had been approached regarding takeover deals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase plunges into the red after 'challenging year' |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/02/homebase-heavy-losses/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=1 March 2024 |date=28 February 2024}}</ref> In July 2024, it emerged that CDS had approached Hilco Capital regarding a Homebase takeover deal, with an insider revealing that a formal sale process was due to begin within the next few days.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Homebase owner approached by The Range as it eyes sale |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/07/homebase-sale-the-range/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=21 July 2024 |date=21 July 2024}}</ref> In August 2024, Hilco sold 10 Homebase locations to [[Sainsbury's]] for £130&nbsp;million, to be converted into supermarkets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Sainsbury's snaps up 10 Homebase stores in £130m deal |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/08/sainsburys-homebase-stores/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=29 August 2024 |date=29 August 2024}}</ref>

=== Administration ===
{{Further|Homebase (brand)}}
On 13 November 2024, it was reported that Hilco was preparing to place the business into [[Insolvency|administration]], with the retailer's holding company, HHGL Limited, collapsing into administration on the same day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Homebase collapses with 2,000 jobs at risk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c624nzepd59o |website=BBC News |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}}</ref> It was quickly announced that [[The Range (retailer)|CDS Superstores]] would acquire the Homebase brand, website and 49 stores to convert to 'The Range', safeguarding about 1,500 jobs.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Range closes in on chunk of Homebase in pre-pack sale |url=https://news.sky.com/story/the-range-closes-in-on-chunk-of-homebase-in-pre-pack-sale-13253495 |website=Sky News |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldfingle |first1=Gemma |title=The Range owner snaps up Homebase brand and stores as it falls into administration |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/11/the-range-homebase/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=14 November 2024 |date=13 November 2024}}</ref>

On 23 November 2024, it was reported that administrators had set a deadline of 29 November 2024 to sell the remaining 74 stores to other chains, with a reported 2,000 jobs at risk.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 November 2024 |title=Telford Homebase among 74 stores up for sale as chain collapses |url=https://www.shropshirelive.com/news/2024/11/23/telford-homebase-among-74-stores-up-for-sale-as-chain-collapses/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=Shropshire Live }}</ref>[[File:Hessle Homebase closing down, East Riding of Yorkshire Dec24.jpg|thumb|right|A branch in [[Hessle]], Yorkshire, administration signs are prominent as the store is in a closing down sale.]]On Christmas Eve 2024, it was announced that [[B&Q]] would purchase and convert three Homebase stores in the Republic of Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=24 December 2024 |title=B&Q acquires 3 Homebase stores in Ireland – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/12/bq-homebase-stores/ |access-date=24 December 2024 }}</ref> On 6 January, it was announced that B&Q had purchased another five stores (Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester).<ref>{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=6 January 2025 |title=B&Q acquires 5 Homebase UK stores – Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/01/bq-uk-homebase-stores/ |access-date=6 January 2025 }}</ref>

On 28 February, it was announced that [[Wickes]] would acquire four UK Homebase leases, including for one store that had already closed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beevers |first=Angela |date=28 February 2025 |title=Wickes expands store footprint through acquisition of four Homebase stores {{!}} Retail Bulletin |url=https://www.theretailbulletin.com/home-and-diy/wickes-expands-store-footprint-through-acquisition-of-four-homebase-stores-28-02-2025/ |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=Retail Bulletin {{!}} Daily UK Retail News }}</ref>

The final day of trading for the four remaining original Homebase stores was 22 March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schofield |first=Claire |date=22 March 2025 |title=New UK Homebase open now – and it's not a garden centre |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2030935/new-uk-homebase-open-now |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Express.co.uk }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
On 26 June 2025, [[BBC Radio 4]] broadcast a 25-minute documentary about Homebase as part of their ''Toast'' series about defunct businesses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sliced Bread – Toast – Homebase – BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002dzyj |access-date=26 June 2025 |website=www.bbc.co.uk }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Homebase}}
{{Sainsbury's}}
{{Wesfarmers}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:British companies established in 1981]]
[[Category:British companies disestablished in 2025]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1981]]
[[Category:Retail companies disestablished in 2025]]
[[Category:Defunct retail companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:British brands]]
[[Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Garden centres]]
[[Category:Home improvement companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Sainsbury's]]