CDS Superstores Marks Exceptional Start To 2025

• 55 former Homebase stores now converted into The Range superstores completing its first phase, preserving over 1,600 jobs
• Enhanced ‘garden’ offer across the entire The Range store estate with the introduction of ‘Garden Centre by Homebase’ across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland 
• ‘Kitchens by Homebase’ showrooms in selected superstores. ‘Bathstore’ showrooms coming soon
• Significant investment made in technology infrastructure and enhancements to its online marketplace, each focused on enhancing the consumer experience
• Phase two of rollout of new The Range, Garden Centre by Homebase and wilko stores, to be announced shortly 

CDS Superstores will this week conclude its first phase of former Homebase store conversions into its new The Range Superstores, marking a significant milestone in a year that has seen the business also expand its partnership with leading supermarket, Iceland, invest in new digital capabilities and increase the footprint of its other brands, Homebase and wilko. 

This Friday [16th May 2025], The Range’s new superstore in Clitheroe, Lancashire will open its doors, capping off the first phase of a period of rapid expansion and transformation that has seen an average of three superstore launches per week. 

Since acquiring the Homebase brand name in November 2024, CDS Superstores has worked tirelessly to repurpose its retail estate and relaunch its website. This initiative has successfully saved over 1,600 jobs, providing stability and new opportunities for many. It has also supported communities across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland by maintaining access to home and garden products. 

Each converted store features a ‘Garden Centre by Homebase,’ a brand-new addition offering everything from outdoor plants and gardening tools to essential supplies. This expanded product range provides customers with a one-stop shop for all their home and garden needs and is also being rolled out into over 200 existing The Range stores nationwide. Selected stores also boast an expanded ‘Kitchens by Homebase’ department, offering high-quality kitchen designs and accessories at affordable prices and ‘Bathstore’ showrooms coming soon. 

In addition to its work with the Homebase brand, The Range is partnered with Iceland to make its stores even more convenient for consumers. Over 150 stores – almost two-thirds of The Range’s store estate – now feature the best of the frozen supermarket’s offering. Many instore cafes have also benefitted from a makeover, and recent promotions have helped family shoppers save, with free meals to children during school holidays. 

Across its three brands – The Range, wilko, and Homebase – CDS Superstores has invested millions in digital acceleration, strengthening technology, extending its online marketplace proposition and enhancing the overall end-to-end user experience. 

Over 1000, best-selling, wilko own-brand items have been maintained across key categories such as cleaning and pets and, rolled out on-shelves across The Range and wilko stores. The household and garden retailer also made a further return to the capital’s high street in November, with its latest store launch in Uxbridge, Greater London. 

Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, operating as The Range, wilko and Homebase, said: “We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in transforming former Homebase stores into vibrant The Range superstores. This project has not only saved jobs but has also enhanced our offering to customers, providing them with a comprehensive shopping experience for all their home and garden needs. 

“Our partnership with Iceland and the integration of wilko own-brand items further demonstrate our commitment to convenience and quality. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities with excellence.”

Source : CDS Superstores

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.