Homebase shifts up a gear

The UK DIY chain Homebase has announced its intention to accelerate the rate of store openings over the next few years. Ten new stores are thus expected to be added to the 278 already in existence in the course of this financial year, with 15 to 20 new openings a year then scheduled up to 2007/2008. Following the positive results achieved recently with smaller format stores, around half of the new outlets are to be conceived in this format, with a retail area of 2,800 m² to 3,300 m², including a mezzanine floor and an outdoor garden centre area.
According to the company, the stores with mezzanine floor are delivering good profits, with sales 15 per cent above the average of the overall store portfolio. The additional space yielded by the layout is used for kitchen, bathroom and furniture displays. A further 35 stores are expected to be fitted out in this way in the current financial year.