Popular DIY retailer Homebase is to lose a quarter of its stores following a business review. One in four of the chainÔÇÖs 323 outlets will close by 2018, having been branded ÔÇÿunprofitable or in declineÔÇÖ.

The rise in online shopping is one of the factors behind the decision, whilst itÔÇÖs also thought that young homeowners do not do as much DIY as their parents. Seven Homebase branches have already closed this year and another 23 will go by March, with the rest to follow. Homebase owner Home Retail Group has not revealed how many jobs will be lost but hopes to work with the new buyers of affected premises to safeguard as many positions as possible.

Home Retail Group ÔÇô which also owns Argos and Habitat ÔÇô announced two years ago that stores would close in order to reposition the brand as a smaller but stronger operation. Twenty six stores have recently been refitted and there are plans to increase the number of Habitat and Argos concessions within stores after a successful experiment to introduce pick-up points for customers collecting online goods. This followed strong Homebase sales last Christmas, as well as a good start to the current financial year, when warm weather and the football World Cup boosted sales of outdoor DIY equipment and garden furniture.

But a refurbishment of all remaining shops is not planned and HomebaseÔÇÖs managing director is to stand down after disappointing half-yearly figures, meaning the end of an era for DIY enthusiasts faced with waving goodbye to their local store.