Homebase On the Edge—Could a Rescue Save the DIY Dream?
It’s looking like the 40‑year‑old DIY chain, Homebase, might sink into administration after a partial collapse. The company’s recently hired insolvency specialists, Teneo, are already on the hunt for a partner to acquire up to 70 of its stores.
Who’s in the Picture?
- Chris Dawson – owner of The Range home‑ware supermarkets. He’s on the front lines, plotting a bailout that could keep 1,500 jobs alive.
- 70 Homebase stores – the ones that could jump into a new ownership orbit.
- 1,700 roles that are still hanging in the balance.
Why the Trouble? A Quick Recap
Last year, Homebase stumbled with an £84.2 million loss. That’s a pretty blunt chop for a retailer that had hoped to thrive on home improvement trends. The cost‑of‑living crisis has turned bargain‑hunters into couch‑hugging, thrift‑shop‑snooping shoppers—fewer DIY boots, more back‑yard boredom.
Dawson’s Quick‑Take
“We are delighted to be able to save so many stores and jobs, and look forward to adding the Homebase brand and subsidiaries to the expanding Range group of companies,” Dawson told the Telegraph.
The Logistic Ladder
- Homebase brand + website sale – a potential deal valued at £30 million.
- Dawson has already nipped Wilko’s high‑street side recently, showing he’s not afraid to jump into crisis mode.
What’s the Bottom Line?
If Dawson’s bid converts, the DIY plaza could keep more than 1,500 employees flowing through the front doors—while 1,700 might still have to pack up. The outcry at the brinkness of this sale underscores a bigger point: customers are shrinking their budgets, and retailers are feeling the heat.
Keep Your Eyes on the DIY Horizon
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