Re: Store closures

It's an Australian company, Wesfarmers/Bunnings.

I hadn't heard of it before.

Perhaps there are Australian members in here who can tell us more about it.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/retai...17-gm7xgv.html

<<Mr Gillam said Homebase had one of the lowest sales per square metre levels of any retailer in the UK, showing the potential for improving sales within its existing footprint.>>

Re: Store closures

Hi

I cannot understand why anyone uses either B&Q or Homebase. over priced to hell and back.

I use Screwfix or Tool Station, free delivery is great.

I was in Poland before Christmas, B&Q own the biggest DIY chain there.

Laminate flooring, made here in the UK, about 20 miles from me, retails here for 3 times the price in B&Q than it does in their stores in Poland and they have to ship it over there.

A complete rip off.

Re: Store closures

I google around and compare before ordering anything.

The more expensive the item the more time spent comparing of course.

Re: Store closures

deleted. duplicate post. sorry.

Re: Store closures

Homebase bought by Australian Westfarmers

Re: Store closures

That's all well and good Swim but sometimes you don't know what you want and like to peruse the shelves for ideas, or see things that provide solutions to other projects. I can't abide ordering from a catalogue or ordering over the phone, I prefer to hold the purchase in my hand and ponder it's quality and it's ability to fill the roll for which it is intended.

As you get older it gets more difficult to remember the name of the item you require and there is nothing worse than some patronising bespectacled know-it-all DIY 'expert' embarrassing you in front of a shop full of Flatcapped, smug, tutting Tradesmen.
Hell, I'd sooner pay more.

Re: Store closures

Screwfix was sold by its west country founder to B&Q, who are closing their tin sheds and opening Screwfix branches rapido.

Tool Station was started by the founders of Screwfix as a competitor, and is now owned by a British buildings company, Travis Perkins. Growing rapidly in the Netherlands and GB.

I use Toolstation as they have a good website, and sharper prices. Customer service is excellent too. I see the large tin sheds as mammoths as the rise and rise of boutique DIY outlets grow. TopsTiles for one. Specific and specialist advice available, rather than the B&Q greeting - All right mate?

Re: Store closures

Good information Dobra, and for the amateur DIY'er specialist advice would be preferable to stumbling around blind. However, I don't need any specialist advice, and if I do, I have plenty of friends who are experts in their own field, having worked with most of them over the years. So 'Alright Mate' is about as much help as I want from some retired sparky or plumber. I'm sorry to sound condescending but I prefer to do my thinking without the constant interference from someone who hasn't got a clue about the nitty gritty's of my particular project.