Inverness's Homebase store among 42 set to close
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DOZENS of people in Inverness look set to lose their jobs after a major retailer announced a mass closure programme that includes its city outlet.
Homebase announced earlier this week that it is to close 42 stores across the UK due to poor sales performances.
Entering into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) job losses nationally are said to be in the region of 1500.
Though the firm refused to provide details of exactly how many jobs would go in Inverness once the store at Inverness Retail Park closes city economist Tony McKay said he expected it would be around 50.
"There’s a trend of high street stores closing across the country," he said. "It is not something that is exclusive to Inverness and the north.
"More people are shopping online now which is causing problems for high street retailers such as Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser as well as at other retail parks across the country.There’s no special reason why this is happening here."
In terms of the picture for future retail in the area he said: "The retail park will struggle to find a new tenant because people simply don’t have the same interest in high street shopping.
"It is likely it will be a much smaller store that will sell DIY products that will take over as the new tenant.
"They are less likely to experience the same problem Homebase had, but are likely to struggle like other retailers everywhere."
No definite dates have yet been announced for the closure of individual stores.
Homebase bosses are to meet with creditors to discuss plans for reducing its cost base and closures are expected to take place between the end of this year and early 2019.
The firm’s chief executive, Damian McGloughlin, said: "Launching a CVA has been a difficult decision and one that we have not taken lightly. Homebase has been one of the most recognisable retail brands for almost 40 years, but the reality is we need to continue to take decisive action to address the under-performance of the business and deal with the burden of our cost base, as well as to protect thousands of jobs.
"The CVA is therefore an essential measure for the business to take and will enable us to refocus our operations and rebuild our offer for the years ahead."
Retail workers trade union Usdaw says it is seeking "urgent clarification" from Homebase owner Hilco over its long-term plans for the firm.
National officer Dave Gill said: "All too often staff are excluded from the CVA process as the future of their jobs is being decided.
"Clearly there is a huge task ahead. It is crucial that the company listens to the staff and invests in their experience and expertise to turn the business around and again make it a success. This is best achieved through their trade union Usdaw. We are in touch with the company and continue to provide our members with the representation, support and advice they require at these uncertain and difficult times."
News of the Inverness store’s fate sparked a flurry of comment on social media with many customers expressing their sympathy for the affected staff and sadness at the loss of the store.
Graham Maciver said: "Just left the store and was told by the staff they didn’t know if they were closing or not."
Anne Cumming said: "This is awful news. I was in there the other day and the staff were so helpful."
Flora Milne said: "I’m so disappointed. Sorry for helpful staff. I will miss it."
