Homebase growth both off- and online

Homebase, a British DIY chain, completed the first six months of its 2013/2014 financial year (March–August) with sales growth of 4.4 per cent. Sales to the tune of ₤ 822.3 mio resulted in like-for-like increases of as much as 5.9 per cent. During the period under review the chain closed down three stores as planned, and intends to close ten stores altogether in the course of the current financial year. The first-half report reveals that possibilities of store closures, relocations or downsizing are continuously being scrutinized, since 70 leases are due to expire in the next five years. Homebase had 333 stores in operation on the reporting date, 15 of them in Ireland (of which two have been closed down in the meantime). The DIY retailer is hugely extending its efforts in the online business. The delivery service has been improved and all stores now offer Wi-Fi access. Multi-channel sales have risen by 28 per cent and now account for a six per cent share of the company’s total volume.