Reviving Homebase: The Range’s Plans for 70 Store Transformations

  • The Range to open second set of ex-Homebase stores in January
  • New-format stores opening in Newton Abbot, Felixstowe and Blyth on 24th January
  • First set of rebranded locations opened in Pollokshaws, Glasgow; Christchurch, Bournemouth; and Kings Heath, Birmingham on 17th January
  • CDS Superstores aiming to convert up to 70 Homebase locations
  • Plans to open 10 new superstores per month
  • Creation of 1,600 jobs in the process
  • CDS group CEO Alex Simpkin committed to retaining Homebase’s heritage and offering broader product range

The Range, the discount chain that acquired Homebase and up to 70 stores in November, is set to open a second batch of rebranded locations in Newton Abbot, Felixstowe, and Blyth on January 24th. These new stores will feature The Range’s full product range and ‘Garden Centres by Homebase’ concept. This follows the first set of converted stores in Pollokshaws, Glasgow; Christchurch, Bournemouth; and Kings Heath, Birmingham, opening on January 17th. CDS Superstores, The Range owner, aims to roll out 10 new superstores monthly, targeting up to 70 Homebase locations and creating 1,600 jobs this year. CEO Alex Simpkin emphasizes retaining Homebase’s heritage while offering a broader product range. As the company transitions acquired stores, it also plans to relaunch www.homebase.co.uk for nationwide home improvement support.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about The Range’s new-format store openings and their plans for converting Homebase locations. However, it contains some minor errors such as incorrect dates (2025 instead of 2021 or 2022) and a typo in the name ‘CDS Superstores’. It also includes speculative statements about the future that may not be factual, like ‘2025 could be set to be another challenging year.’ Overall, it is mostly accurate but has minor issues.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides information about The Range’s new-format store openings and their plans for converting Homebase locations, but it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of the consequences of these decisions on those involved. It also contains some irrelevant details such as mentioning ‘2025’ instead of ‘2022.’ Additionally, there is no evidence or data to support claims made by CDS group CEO Alex Simpkin.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses The Range’s plans to open new-format stores in former Homebase units and their commitment to converting up to 70 Homebase locations, which could impact the retail industry. However, it does not directly mention any financial topics or markets being impacted.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the text

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