Sad Sight After Homebase Store Shuts Down in Cheltenham, Leaving Locals Disheartened

Cheltenham: It’s a bit of a bummer to see the Homebase store close down. This place used to be a go-to for all things DIY. Many folks in Gloucestershire have fond memories of picking up paint, garden furniture, and lighting from there.

Now, the store on Tewkesbury Road is all boarded up. It was one of several locations that were marked for closure last year. It’s sad to see it like this.

Originally, Homebase was located further down the road at Centrum Retail Park. They moved to a new spot, but it seems that didn’t help. Today, metal shutters cover the entrance, and a notice confirms the closure.

Earlier this month, B&Q stepped in to buy five Homebase stores across the UK. This move makes them the largest home improvement retailer in the country after Homebase went into administration last year. They plan to convert these stores into B&Q shops by the end of the year.

Homebase had to call in administrators last November. They cited weak consumer confidence and the cost-of-living crisis as reasons for their struggles. They managed to sell up to 70 stores, saving around 1,600 jobs, but many others are still uncertain.

Alex Simpkin, the CEO of CDS Superstores, expressed sadness over the closure. He mentioned how Homebase had been a beloved brand for over 45 years, helping people with their DIY and gardening needs.

This closure follows the recent shutdown of the Dobbies store in Gloucester, which will reopen under new ownership. It’s a tough time for retail in the area, and many are feeling the impact of these changes.