Local Homebase Branches Escape Closure

Published on: 23 Aug, 2018
Updated on: 26 Aug, 2018

Guildford’s Homebase store in Eurpa Retail Park, Ladymead

Guildford and Godalming Homebase stores have escaped closure it was confirmed yesterday (August 22). Up to 100 local jobs are now believed to have been secured.

But not all South East branches escaped. Homebase stores in Wimbledon, Croydon, Merton, Canterbury and Southampton are included in the list of 40 branches that will close.

Homebase boss Damian McGloughlin said he had opted for a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) in a “difficult decision”.

“Homebase has been one of the most recognisable retail brands for almost 40 years but the reality is we need to continue to take decisive action to address the underperformance of the business and deal with the burden of our cost base, as well as to protect thousands of jobs,” he said.

“The CVA is therefore an essential measure for the business to take and will enable us to refocus our operations and rebuild our offer for the years ahead.”

Responses to Local Homebase Branches Escape Closure

Jim Allen Reply

August 23, 2018 at 3:47 pm

Good news? I don’t think so. It means more traffic coming into Guildford as customers whose local Homebase stores have closed shop here.
Chris Carroll Reply

August 24, 2018 at 9:57 am

Not at all. Every time I’ve visited the Guildford and Godalming branches of Homebase in the last year it’s been empty of customers and stock. It’s all overpriced (compared with the new kids on the block Toolstation and Screwfix) who have moved into the area. It won’t last. Give it 12 months and Homebase will be gone with the rest!
A Atkinson Reply

August 24, 2018 at 3:35 pm

I agree with Mr Carroll, Homebase has a limited shelf life – it has lost it’s way a long time ago: it means nothing in the current retail offer it doesn’t offer a compelling price or product proposition for consumers. Unless it finds a niche it has no reason to exist no matter where a particular branch is located. The suggested plan by analysts is to go upmarket, back to the “Laura Ashley market”, but will that succeed, who knows?