Major DIY homeware chain to shut store doors permanently before Christmas – as fans cry ‘why can’t we have nice things’

SHOPPERS have been left saddened after hearing that a popular DIY chain will be closing a branch for good before Christmas. 

Homebase will be closing one of its stores in Banbury, Oxford on Southam Road within weeks.

The DIY chain bosses have confirmed the store will shut for good on December 3. 

The store now has a closing down sale, with posters in and outside the store that state “all stock is reduced” and that “everything must go”.

After the closure shoppers will need to travel 14 miles away to the closest store in Bicester. 

There are currently only two other Homebase stores in Oxfordshire one in Abingdon and one in Oxford.

Shoppers said they were saddened to hear the news on Facebook. 

One user said: “Gutted I love Homebase”

Another said: “So sad for the Homebase staff losing their jobs it's a real shame”

“No I love buying my Christmas decorations from there,” claimed a third. 

A fourth user asked: “Why can’t we have nice things in Banbury?”

Many residents have been speculating as to which retailer may take over the store, with many speculating rival retailer B&M may be first in line.  

One user said: “Would love to see a B&M in Banbury.”

Another said: “As long as it's not flats or nail salons or cafes I’m not bothered but what goes in there.”

Homebased announced another store closure last month in Plymouth.

The retailer also announced it would be pulling the plug on its shop at the O2 Centre on Finchley Road in London on December 10.

Homebase has just 93 stores remaining since it was taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.

Prior to the takeover, Homebase had 250 stores at its peak with around 12,000 staff.

High street retailers have been struggling immensely over the past few years.

Energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.

This has left some retailers grappling with budgets and have no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand. 

B&M has closed nine of its stores since February this year.

Poundstretcher has closed five stores this year with another due to close by next year.

Even Tesco announced it will be closing a store this week.

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