Homebase-buyer Bunnings to create more than 1,000 UK jobs in expansion drive
THE Australian DIY group that bought Homebase last year is creating more than 1,000 UK jobs as it steps up an expansion drive.
Australian DIY group that bought Homebase last year is creating more than 1,000 UK jobs
It plans to have 20 Bunnings Warehouse outlets by the end of this year, twice as many as previously expected, after a positive response to pilot stores in St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Its owner, Wesfarmers, acquired Homebase in a £340 million deal and said it would invest up to £500 million in new stores over three to five years.
Our decision to extend the pilot programme reflects the positive reaction we’ve seen from customers
Bunnings managing director, PJ Davis, said yesterday: "Our decision to extend the pilot programme reflects the positive reaction we’ve seen from customers to the stores we’ve opened so far.
"Increasing the number of pilot stores to 20 will give us the opportunity to test the concept in new geographies, with different demographics, across a range of store sizes.
It plans to have 20 Bunnings Warehouse outlets by the end of this year
"We are determined to combine the best of Bunnings Warehouse with what UK consumers want. The success of the pilots still remains a precursor to additional investment.
"The success of the pilots still remains a precursor to additional investment."