Home improvement and garden retailer Bunnings Warehouse has opened two more stores – Walton-on-Thames and Norwich Sprowston – amid ongoing fears that its Australian owners Wesfarmers will pull the plug on the UK operation.
After disappointing financial figures Wesfarmers announced “a review of Bunnings UK and Ireland has commenced to identify the actions required to improve shareholder returns.”
That review is thought to be still proceeding amid calls for the Australian company to stick it out and make the UK business work.
Wesfarmers bought DIY chain Homebase for a reported £340 million just over two years ago and has been slowly rebranding stores under the Bunnings Warehouse banner.
The new Walton-on-Thames store is the 21st Bunnings Warehouse to be opened in the UK. It’s located on the site of the former Homebase on New Zealand Avenue, is 34,000 square feet and offers customers a wide range of global market-leading brands.
The 22nd store in the portfolio – Norwich Sprowston – has just opened.
Walton-on-Thames Complex Manager, Roy Tripp, said: “All our team members have worked really hard to get the store ready for opening and have undertaken many hours of training to make sure we have the expertise to help customers with home or garden projects.”
To celebrate the opening, Kelly Smith, former England Footballer joined a welcome breakfast for team members.
Kelly said: “I’ve had a great time opening Bunnings Warehouse Walton-on-Thames. Just like football, success is built on strong teamwork and it’s evident that everyone here is committed to making the store a hit.”
The store is hosting a number of events this weekend, including the famous Bunnings Sausage Sizzle, face-painting, balloon modelling and even join Chase & Skye for a Story Time session.
