Homebase Shopping Guide - An Informed Visitor's Perspective

Why You Should Visit

• Wide Product Range: You'll find a diverse selection of home improvement and decor items. The location offers goods for both indoor and outdoor needs, including gardening supplies and decor.
• Department Variety: Shoppers can expect to find specialized departments like Bathstore (offering free design services), kitchen displays, and a paint mixing station.
• Helpful Staff: Interactions with staff can be positive. Some staff members are known for going above and beyond. You might encounter staff who are friendly and knowledgeable, especially in the paint mixing and screw sections.
• Competitive Pricing: Prices seem reasonable in many areas. You'll find great deals during clearance sales, particularly given the location's closing down.
• Free Design Services: The Bathstore within Homebase offers free on-site design services, allowing you to visualize your bathroom remodel.
• Good Location & Parking: The location and parking are generally considered good, offering convenience for your shopping trip.
• Quick Delivery: Delivery services seem to be quick, delivering items to your room of choice.
• Pet-Friendly: The store is accommodating to pets, even if they arrive without a lead.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Quality Concerns: Be aware that plant quality can be inconsistent. Some plants, like marguerites, may be diseased, leading to quick deterioration, and the store management might not offer a satisfactory response.
• Plant Care Issues: You'll find that bedding plants aren't always well-maintained, with some being dry and unlikely to thrive, potentially leading to wasted purchases.
• Post-Takeover Changes: Since The Range takeover, the store's condition has deteriorated. The environment might be dirty, dingy, untidy, and the overall quality of goods may be lower.
• Limited DIY Focus: The selection of actual DIY supplies might be lacking, with an abundance of "plastic toys, plastic plants and pet food." The focus may shift to less practical items.
• Pricey Sections: Be aware that prices in some sections, like decor details, might be higher than expected.
• Inconsistent Staff Experience: Although some staff are helpful, it might be challenging to find staff members, and the experience with staff in the painting section might be focused on upselling, with extra charges for mixing.
• Accessibility Issues: The upper floor might be inaccessible due to the lack of an escalator or lift.
• Stock Levels: Disappointment may arise from gaps in the availability of certain items, particularly plants and gardening equipment. Petunias advertised at the door might not be available.