According to various news sources, Hilco, the new owners of Homebase, will launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) this week which will enable the business to close as many as 60 of the poorest performing Homebase stores.

There are also reports circulating that as many as 80 stores may be closed but this number may include those stores already closing or announced to be closing which includes the first ever Homebase store at Purley Way, Croydon.

A full report on Insight DIY gives more background http://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-owner-to-close-up-to-60-stores-in-cva/6361.htm 

While the stores that are closing may not be the best performing DIY stores they will create a gap for gardening sales as Homebase had developed a strong horticultural side to the business including their Gardening Academy lead by Adam Frost and featuring at Chelsea Flower Shows.

Is there an opportunity for garden centres to grab some sales back from the DIY sector or will the discounters such as B&M or The Range fill the gap?

As the list of stores to close becomes available we will keep you all posted.  In the meantime please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk with your view on how the Homebase/Bunnings situation can be turned into a positive for both retailers and suppliers.