Homebase squaring up for price war

Source : Mail on Sunday

Homebase is squaring up for an audacious price war with larger rival B&Q against the background of what it expects will be a sluggish housing market. The retailer has launched a range of 350 Value products this weekend, half of them under £5. The range uses Homebase's orange flash, which most DIYers will notice is similar to the orange used in B&Q's logo. In a rare interview, Homebase managing director Paul Loft told Financial Mail he would not be adding to its 350 stores this year beyond the seven already due to open. This will clear the way for reorganising existing outlets. 'We have shelved new stores for now and we are making the best of what we've got,' he said.