What might be for sale in The Range store Portlaoise when Homebase shuts in Laois

A new multi-product store is set to open in Portlaoise in 2025 in the Homebase outlet off the Timahoe Road.

The Range will be the name of the new shop which like Homebase, is part of a large UK founded chain. 

So how do the operators of The Range describe themselves and what do they sell?

"From opening our first store in 1989, on Billacombe Road, Plymouth, The Range is now the fastest growing retailer in the UK. With over 200 stores nationwide, we stock more than 140,000 products across 16 different departments, from homewares and furniture to DIY and art supplies.

"Our ethos has always been to bring our customers great quality products at the most competitive prices, drawing together everything you need for a beautiful home," said the company's website.

There are 17 stores on the island of Ireland - nine in Northern Ireland and eight in the Republic. That is set to expand as its operators have taken over some of the old Homebase premises.

The existing southern outlets are located in Carlow, Liffey Valley and Coolock in Dublin, Maynooth, Tralee, Waterford, Cork and Limerick where its first shop in the 26 counties opened in 2016.

It's been reported in the UK that CDS Superstores, parent company of The Range and wilko, is opening three new-format stores following its acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 stores.

InsightDIY reported that each of these new-format locations will be rebranded as The Range Superstores, combining the existing variety of products at The Range with the home improvement aspect Homebas featuring ‘garden centres by Homebase’. The Portlaoise outlet has a garden centre.

Following these initial launches, CDS plans to roll out up to 10 new superstores per month, with a goal of transforming up to 70 Homebase locations into this new format, and securing up to 1,600 jobs, throughout 2025.

It was reported that selected stores will feature ‘Kitchens by Homebase’, offering customers bespoke kitchen solutions - other exciting developments and partnerships will follow. The Portlaoise Homebase also has such a section.

The Range operates over 2,000,000 sq ft of distribution space, mostly from their facilities at Avonmouth, Bristol and Thorne, Doncaster. The head office is located in Plymouth.