Homebase update as website relaunches online today ahead of 13 branches closing within days

THE new owner of the Homebase brand has relaunched its website ahead of 13 branches closing within days.

CDS Superstores has confirmed the new look site is now live after The Sun exclusively revealed it was due to launch this week.

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Homebase has launched its new-look website[/caption]

In a post on Facebook, Homebase posted: “Homebase.co.uk is NOW LIVE.

“Explore 1000’s of home improvement essentials at your fingertips—from decorating and garden supplies to our popular kitchens and bathrooms.

“Featuring top brands like Dulux, Harris, Crown, Westland and more.”

The launch of the website comes despite a wave of more than a dozen Homebase closures.

The stores will pull down their shutters immediately this month after not being included in up to 70 bought by CDS.

Homebase fell into administration in November, putting its then 133 UK stores all at risk.

But CDS, which owns The Range and Wilko brand, stepped in and said it would take over up to 70 locations.

Rival DIY chain B&Q has agreed to purchase five former Homebase locations as well.

CDS has already confirmed nine former Homebase locations out of the up to 70 which have opened, or will open.

The hybrid stores will combine the Homebase, Wilko and The Range brands offering shoppers a variety of products.

Some branches will include Homebase garden centres with others featuring the popular Dulux paint mixing machines and colour walls.

CDS said it is hoping to open three of the hybrid stores each week, and plans to open at least 50 before the end of April.

Pictures of one of the new stores in Bournemouth were revealed last week when it opened.

It comes as closing down sales were launched at a number of Homebase locations. 

Pictures posted on social media show signs outside the branch in Broadstairs saying “all stock reduced, everything must go”.

Two others in Wales recently launched closing down sales as well as a further four across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Homebase previously confirmed that six sites would close before the end of 2024, including Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby.

Brands and shops that have made a comeback

Homebase is one of a number of brands that have made a comeback after fears they would disappear forever.

Cath Kidston opened its first new store in November after crashing into administration in June 2023.

It came after fashion retailer Next acquired the brand, known for its floral designs and quirky homeware.

Iconic brand Topshop also returned for shoppers online in 2024 following a joint venture between ASOS and Bestseller.

ASOS’s boss also suggested the brand could reappear on the high street in the form of physical branches too.

Nostalgic 90s toy brand Toys R Us has been launching branches across the UK too, including 23 before Christmas.

However, the new stores are not standalone sites but “shop-in-shops” found inside WHSmith branches.

Wilko is also back on the high street after CDS Superstores said it would be launching bricks and mortar stores.