Homebase Launches New Site With 'More Inspiration'

Home improvement chain Homebase has relaunched its website after a surge in internet sales over the past year.

The site, which launched last week, is easier to navigate with improved functionality and more advice and ideas for shoppers, the company said. It has more than 50 videos to help gardeners and DIY enthusiasts with tips including advice on how to lay turf and put up wallpaper.

Sales at the website increased 53% in the year to March 1, before the launch of the new site. It now represents 7% of sales at the chain. Homebase parent Home Retail said last week that sales at the chain increased 3% in the year and 3.3% on a like-for-like basis.

Homebase director of multi-channel Siobhan Fitzpatrick said: 'We know that nearly 40% of our customers start looking for ideas online before visiting us in store. That's why we have developed a new website to start to provide more support, help and inspiration around the key home and garden projects.'

Shoppers are also now able to search by brand, save a 'love list' of their favourite products and compare products to help make decisions. Fitzpatrick said Homebase has also simplified the checkout process to make it easier to arrange home delivery and Reserve & Collect in one transaction 'to offer more flexibility than ever'.

She said Homebase used IBM WSC7 platform and the Aurora starter store which she said has 'put us in good shape for the next phase of a chain of new digital developments over the coming months'. 

She added: 'We have a great deal to look forward to, including new apps, more video content and delivery options, as well as better visibility of pricing and stock.'

Home Retail said last week it had increase sales at traffic on the site after increased investment and the introduction of improved delivery options that offers next day delivery, named day delivery or collection at stores. It also introduced wi-fi into stores.

Homebase: New Site Launches After 53% Sales Surge