Amazon eyes Homebase stores marked for closure
Amazon is set to bid for a selection of Homebase stores in a move to improve its last mile delivery process.
The online retailer could turn the stores into delivery warehouses when Homebase closes 42 of its 241 sites through a company voluntary arrangement this year.
Amazon could use the sites, which are conveniently located in urban areas, to expand its one hour delivery service, the Telegraph reported.
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The internet retail giant launched the service in London three years ago before expanding the offer to other areas.
A slow down in the development of new warehouses in the last few years has led to a shortage of supply, the paper said.
Three London Homebase stores, in Merton, New Southgate and Wimbledon, are set to close under the plans in a move that will cost an estimated 1,500 jobs across the UK.
The beleaguered home improvement chain will seek the backing of landlords and creditors in a vote later this month.
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The restructuring plans, led by turnaround managers Alvarez and Marsal, could see the stores close at the end of this year and the beginning of 2019.