Is Homebase Next To Go? DIY Retailer Shuts Down Store
Is Homebase the next popular retailer to be going bust? Shoppers have found that Homebase Banbury store on Southam Road is shutting doors on December 3rd.
On social media shoppers have expressed concern what it means for the store chain:
"I hope that doesn't mean Homebase is about to go bust."
"Homebase the next High Street victim?"
However, a photograph of signage on the Homebase store says "Store Closing - This Location Only" giving some relief to shoppers. It appears at this stage, it's just the Banbury Store to be closing.
Keira Clarke at "Latest Business, Retail & Property" reported that after the shutters come down in Banbury, loyal customers are looking at a 14-mile trek to the nearest Homebase in Bicester. Online reactions have varied from disappointment to concern for the staff, with shoppers expressing a genuine fondness for the store that's been part of their community. With Homebase's presence dwindling from 250 to just 93 stores since 2018, the ripples are being felt on high streets across the UK.
This isn't just about Homebase though; it's a snapshot of the broader challenges retail faces today. Spiraling energy costs, the e-commerce boom, and the pandemic's long shadow are reshaping our shopping habits and high streets. As we've seen, other major chains like Boots and B&M are also feeling the pinch, with store closures becoming an all-too-common headline.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, weighs in: "It's always sad to see a store close, and I hope the staff get support to find new roles. Savvy shoppers can take advantage of the situation to find some great deals."
I think Homebase will go next as it's not as popular as B&Q. I remember when Texas DIY closed down years ago, I got quite a few good bargains.
Yeovil used to have one, its now 'The Range'. It didn't feel particularly well run and was a little shabby and I wasn't surprised it disappeared. Over the years I've seen loads of DIY shops come and go. We used to have one called 'Old Mills' that became 'Great Mills' before disappearing. Then there was 'Payless' which was close to the Yeovil Police station. What was the other one 'Focus'?
My favourite DIY store is Proper Job. It's a small local chain that keeps costs very low with fairly naff looking stores and well stocked and much cheaper prices than all their competitors. I always look there first as they are always cheaper for mainstream DIY products.