Rayleigh Weir Retail Park at Stadium Way is set for a retail shake-up as The Range prepares to take over the soon-to-close Homebase store. The new store will bring a much-anticipated refresh to the popular shopping area, next to the A127.
The new superstore, expected to open in early 2025, will feature an expanded selection of home, garden, and DIY products, offering a broader range than standard Range stores.
The transition comes after Homebase, a long-standing presence at the London Road retail park, fell into administration. The closure is part of a wider collapse affecting 42 Homebase stores nationwide, but a rescue deal struck by administrators Teneo and retail group CDS—owners of The Range and Wilko—has ensured that 70 stores, including the Rayleigh Weir branch, will remain open under The Range brand. This deal is expected to safeguard up to 1,600 jobs across the UK.
For many, the shift signals an improvement in the retail landscape. Homebase, once a household name in DIY and home improvement, has struggled in recent years. Former employee Steve Smith reflected on its decline, saying: “It was a terrible state that the current owners of Homebase let it get into. I used to be a Texas Homecare employee. Homebase bought Texas yonks ago, and it’s spiralled down ever since. It was a shame to see a once proud Texas Rayleigh end up like Homebase at the Weir.”
What to expect from the new Range store
Shoppers can look forward to a fully stocked superstore, combining the usual offerings from The Range with an extended selection in key categories such as garden, showroom, and DIY. The addition is expected to boost footfall at the retail park, providing a one-stop shop for home improvement enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike.
While some welcome The Range as a valuable addition to the area, others have taken to social media with tongue-in-cheek comments. John Young joked: “I’d rather another Turkish barbers, we are short of them in Rayleigh.”
A lifeline for staff and shoppers
While the closure of Homebase could have led to job losses, local councillor James Newport is optimistic about The Range’s arrival. “Obviously, I have concerns that the closure of the Rayleigh Weir Homebase may see a loss of jobs in our ward, but I have read that The Range will be taking it on and retaining the staff who work there,” he said. “There’s never a good time to lose your job, but especially before Christmas, so I think there will be some relief. I’m sure The Range will be a very welcome addition to the retail park.”
The downfall of Homebase
Homebase’s struggles have been well-documented, with financial difficulties culminating in its decision to enter administration. Reports suggest that major banking firm Wells Fargo declined to extend Homebase’s lending agreement due to concerns over the company’s financial stability.
The wider retail industry has faced turbulent times, with many companies struggling post-pandemic. Homebase’s chief executive, Damian McGloughlin, acknowledged the challenges, stating: “The last three years have been incredibly challenging for DIY stores, with a decline in consumer confidence and spending.”
Looking ahead
With Homebase’s days at Rayleigh Weir numbered, all eyes are now on The Range as it gears up to revitalise the retail park. As the opening date approaches in early 2025, shoppers can expect a fresh, modern shopping experience that promises to bring new energy to the area.