BHETA’s retailer networking forum with Homebase has been postponed and is likely to take place in the Autumn.The Forum will feature Dave Elliott, Commercial & Marketing Director of Homebase. Dave will be updating BHETA supplier members on the Homebase turnaround which has seen it deliver a £3.2m EBITDA profit, compared with a loss of £114.5m in 2018. Like for like sales were up 2.6 per cent as customers responded well to new ranges, and improvements to both in-store and online shopping experiences. Nearly all 164 stores are now profitable; and the Homebase year ended with a positive net cash balance of £17.0m, with further improvements expected in 2020.Key aspects in the Homebase revival are a refreshed product ranges in home furniture, decorating, kitchens and garden, as well as investment in new products and services. Dave will be talking BHETA supplier members through the brand’s progress and how to engage with Homebase going forward, following the successful introduction of 3,000 new products to help customers create the latest home trends, the £10m investment in stores in the UK and Ireland, including 51 refurbishments, the creation of inspirational kitchen showrooms, Bathstore concessions and home furnishing departments; and investments in homebase.co.uk.BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones commented, “Retailing continues to move fast; and the new Homebase is clearly a key player in the future. This forum will provide BHETA members with a unique insight into the opportunities for trading with a revived brand which has considerable consumer respect and engagement. We will be announcing other key speakers for the forum between now and May, but just based on Dave’s participation, I know we will have a sell-out event, so I recommend members book as soon as possible.”Refreshments will be provided on the day, including a networking lunch and the event, which is being held at Federation House, Vyse Street, Birmingham will commence with registration at 9.30 am. In the first instance, please register interest with BHETA’s member services manager, Nicola Adams on na@bheta.co.uk.
