The future of Homebase's Romford store remains uncertain after the company fell into administration.
Homebase entered administration yesterday (November 13), putting 2,000 jobs and more than 100 stores at risk across the UK.
However, shortly after the administrators were appointed The Range owner CDS Superstores bought up to 70 stores, as well as the brand name and intellectual property.
This has saved around 1,600 jobs nationwide - but leaves 49 stores at risk of closure and thousands of jobs still under threat.
Administrators Teneo have not yet revealed which stores will be taken over by The Range, and which 49 stores are at risk.
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When the Recorder asked Teneo about the future of the Romford store, in Davidson Way, we were told that this information is not being provided "at this stage".
Homebase has also completed on the sale of 11 UK stores to Sainsbury's and exchanged on a further three.
Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, said that it has been an "incredibly challenging" three years for the home and garden improvement market, with the pandemic leading to a "decline in consumer confidence and spending".
He said: "My priority is and continues to be our team members, and I recognise that this news will be unsettling for them.
"The sale of up to 70 UK stores to CDS is expected to protect up to 1,600 jobs and the remaining 49 UK stores will continue to trade as normal while the administrators complete discussions with potential buyers."
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The stores bought by CDS will also continue to trade as normal until handed over to the company.
Gavin Maher, of Teneo, said: "We appreciate that this is a very difficult and uncertain time for all involved.
"The sale to CDS preserves the Homebase brand and secures a significant number of jobs and we hope to complete sales of additional stores over the coming weeks."
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