Homebase is to open its first digitally-connected stores within branches of Tesco this weekend.
Shoppers will be able to buy goods from paint and power tools to home accessories in the Borehamwood Tesco from tomorrow, with further stores to follow in Walkden and Woolwich in April. They can also choose to buy online, collecting orders placed on the Homebase website in store within an hour.
Homebase staff will also be on hand to advise customers on improving their homes and gardens.
Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, says: “We’re really excited to be partnering with Tesco, bringing our home and garden products and expertise to even more local communities. We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for customers to shop with us and teaming up with Tesco means we’re able to do just that.”
The partnership follows the success of Homebase’s tie-up with Next, which saw eight Homebase garden centres open in Next stores last year, while three new pop-up stores have opened in March, taking the partnership to eleven across the country. Homebase, founded in 1979, now sells online and through 152 of its own stores in the UK and Ireland, as well as through its partnerships with Next and Tesco.
Homebase’s partnerships are the latest example of retailers and brands working with new retail partners and moving beyond their own websites and stores to bring their products to new potential shoppers – and adding new locations for multichannel services from click and collect to in-store online returns.
Argos, for example, started opening digital format stores within branches of Sainsbury’s in 2015 before later being bought by the supermarket group. There are now 400 Argos branches in Sainsbury’s supermarkets. And B&Q has brought more brands onto its website by launching its own marketplace.
And Moonpig has now partnered with Cath Kidston to sell its first range of flowers via its website.
Polly Noel-Storr, head of gifts at Moonpig, says: “Inspired by our shared love of bringing joy to the everyday, we’ve combined the freshness and quality of Moonpig Flowers with the signature florals and joyful style of Cath Kidston to design this range of exclusive luxury bouquets. With options for all tastes, the collection is perfect for those who really want to treat their mother figure this Mothering Sunday.”
Holly Marler, creative director at Cath Kidston, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Moonpig, another much-loved British brand, to bring our iconic flower designs to life in a way we have never done before. These beautiful bouquets and gift sets are designed to celebrate special relationships, to brighten up your loved one’s day, whether it’s a birthday, Mother’s Day or just because.”
Moonpig partners also include Virgin Wines.
Tesco is an Elite retailer in RXUK Top500 research, while Homebase and Cath Kidston are ranked Top350, and Virgin Wines is ranked Top500.
