Homebase

Every so often I forget, and find myself wandering in to my local Homebase. This only lasts until I actually look at the price tickets then walk out muttering F*** Me!

I do exactly the same! Well over the top compared to the others.

Well, they won't be overpriced for everything and most likely they'll have a huge range of 'general' stuff. For larger things they'll have interst deals, etc and everything will be viewable and not under thae watchful gaze of the shopkeeper (in the sense they won't be hassled as they look). It's an anonymous service and you see what you buy and walk away with it.

Local hardware stores, will require that you have a better idea of what you want and there won't be such a big stock to browse. There's a higher chance you'll be asked what you want and you may not have the choice you can get from homebase. You may have to buy sight unseen on order. The local shopkeeper will be more knowledgable, but may (if they are a bad shopkeeper) crack a small joke or 'knowing grin' when you ask for the wrong thing or clearly don't know what you are doing. It's amazing how many small shops I go into to be faced by a sullen shopkeeper. Usually I don't buy from them. I go back to the shops with helpful friendly people in, often regardless of price.

I was once asked why people didn't go to builders merchants for their stuff. For many people doing the odd job, they are intimidating, prices aren't always clear you need to ask and you risk being made a fool of as you ask a 'silly' question or for the wrong thing. That never happens in homebase.

The important thing is to remember that you aren't just competing on price. You compete on service and friendliness. You can't win on stock levels, but you can win on knowledge. You might like to consider promotions and in-store demonstrations, etc.

Good luck.

Paul

B&Q's a bit cheaper, but not much. I paid £1.30 for a bag of about 3 small screws from them the other day!

Mind you, the small independent iron mongers aren't much different in price. In fact, on most things they're more expensive.

The first Homebase in Leeds opened years ago. It was always much more expensive than the local hardware shops - but we're very well served with those.

HB appears to have a wider range ut only if you include things like home furnishings, baths and the like, for which local specialist shops give better value anyway.

If we want very specialised tools or bolts or electrical parts we go to the specialist shops. There the staff know what's what, the Saturday boys and girls or student earners or other staff really don't have any idea at HB.

The local hardware staff shops will get anything they don't have in stock for us.

We don't have to travel to the edge of town to go to them either.

Aldi and Lidl are cheaper for tools.

And yes, we do know because occasionally we go to HB on the off chance but rarely buy anything.

Mary

Homebase and Focus have always been dear. Focus is part of the dixons group.

Rubbish! suggest you get to know the bloke in the Iron mongers or local DIY corner shop.

I only expect to pop in and out,he keeps me there for at least a good ten min's, yapping.

Most definitely not so. Homebase paint prices are ridiculous, ie weathershield £16.99 per 5L, we do £10.00 for 6L. My daughter works in Argos about 50 yard from Homebase, same owners, exactly same furniture from their catalogue is cheaper than Homebase. I'm not advertising but even our Dewalts are mostly cheaper than your Screwfixes etc. The public can be so gullible when it comes to advertising.

I used to find that Homebase were roughly twice the B&Q prices for electrical accessories (not that I usually bought them in either place).

The latest 'interesting' price (when I thought I'd be stuck without) was a 15 amp choc block connector. A strip of SIX (not twelve) for £2.29. I bought it, but ended up not needing it and took it back for a refund.

..and I didn't even mention paper/leaflet drops/TV advertising and website, either. Most people will buy what they can afford once they see it - few will be bothered to go around the shops price matching.

Focus isn't owned by Dixons, its owned by Wickes.

I read that first time round as six strips (not 12) for £2.29 and thought blimey.

That really is the Radio Shack model of pricing.

Owain

And have a wider choice that doesn't involve fake ("faux") suede everything.

I'm not sure the Monday to Friday boys and girls are much better.

Oh, you know how to raise Mr Hall's ire!

Places like Homebase and B&Q are very good for looking at things - nobody seems to mind one opening all the boxes and spreading the contents on the floor for a good rummage. "Does this glue stick vinyl?"

-- let's take a tube round to the flooring aisle and find out.

Owain

Nope. Focus DIY Ltd. is owned by two private equity firms - Apax Partners and Duke Street Capital.

Please do your homework... Focus once owned wickes.

Dixons is/was owned by dixons.

Balls! I'm having a bad day. Grrr.

No.

Focus used to own Wickes until they sold it to Travis Perkins.

Do I?

I don't give a toss.

LOL!

Mary

True

Also true although they only use the Dixons brand now for airports and internet trading.

If you meant an involvement of Dixons in Focus, I don't believe that that has ever been the case.