Homebase calls on The Hut Group to 'fast-forward digital plans'

The home and DIY retailer will partner with The Hut Group’s Ingenuity technology platform to transform its transactional website, with the partnerships comprising operations including payment and fulfilment infrastructure to and web development alongside brand building and strategy.

The retailer’s revamped website will launch early next year and is the first step in THG expanding its reach into the homewares market, which it says “presents a huge potential for digital growth via ecommerce”.

The Hut Group, which also provides ecommerce infrastructure for brands including Nestlé and Procter & Gamble via its Ingenuity division, is targeting a £4.5bn stock market float.

Homebase chief executive Damian McGloughlin said: “This partnership will significantly fast-forward our digital plans and create an incredible new shopping experience for customers. We have a unique opportunity to move with the rapidly changing retail landscape, and leapfrog ahead to an experience that exceeds customers’ demands for online shopping that’s both easy and inspirational. We’ll combine the best of bricks-and-mortar with The Hut Group’s world-class expertise, to advise, excite and inspire our customers with new ways of shopping we know they’ll love.”

The Hut Group chief executive Matt Moulding added: “We are incredibly excited to be working with one of the UK’s biggest players in the home and garden retail sector and there is huge potential for us to grow Homebase’s D2C capabilities with our proven infrastructure and services.

“The global retail landscape is changing and the current climate has accelerated digital plans for many businesses. This partnership is testament to the strength and reputation of THG Ingenuity to deliver a world-leading ecommerce solution that can power businesses of all sizes, in the UK and globally.”