Former Homebase stores given new life as M&S foodhalls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

Marks & Spencer has acquired 12 former Homebase stores to convert into foodhalls following the DIY chain's collapse.

Homebase, a home and garden retailer with 135 stores across the UK, collapsed into administration after suffering losses of over £59m. The chain owed £803m and had 3,446 employees at the time of administration. The collapse resulted in 2,300 job losses, with 1,299 creditors facing losses of more than £700m.

Marks & Spencer has acquired 12 former Homebase stores to convert into foodhalls. These include sites at Abingdon, Cannock in Staffordshire, Farnham, Godalming in Surrey, and Northampton. The Abingdon store opened in April, with customers queuing on the opening day. The Godalming store opened in July and is thought to be the biggest M&S food store in the UK at 22,000 square feet.

M&S has confirmed its Northampton branch will open on 21 October. For residents of Abingdon who had been hoping for an M&S store for years, the new foodhall means they no longer need to travel to Didcot or Oxford to shop there.

How it is being reported

• UK DIY giant stores are given new life after £803m administrationFormer Homebase DIY stores are now being transformed into new M&S foodhallsOxford Mail · 12 Oct, 17:10
• UK DIY giant stores are given new life after £803m administrationFormer Homebase DIY stores are now being transformed into new M&S foodhallsOxfordshire Guardian · 12 Oct, 17:10

In this story: Homebase · Marks & Spencer · Abingdon · Cannock · Farnham · Godalming · Northampton

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