Focus DIY

CompBunny

If its true its a big shame Our local one is a big employer of semi retired people who LOVE their jobs, and also of lots of young people just starting out. The closure of any national chain is always very sad when you see the number who have lost their jobs. I always try and think of it as eg "2000 families and individuals have lost a source of income which they need just like everyone else" rather than "2000 people have been made redundant". Behind every single job loss is another story. Its so sad

I've always found Focus to be OK. Prices are good on some things, extortionate on others but you can generally find what you need. Its hard to identify where they fit in the market and must say I wouldn't be shocked if they did go under.

Silk

As I said earlier their finances are in a dire state.

The problem towards the end of last year was they had made a loss of £21m and they had loans and overdraught of £230m.
One of the loans they had was £60m and was at 7% over Libor rate which takes some paying off.
The £230m does not include what they will owe to creditors.

Cerberus bought them about 3 years ago for £1 when they took on debts of £180m.

Needless to say the situation has got a lot worse so unless someone buys them soon it will go

andy.m_2

its a shame and I feel for those who's jobs are in jeopardy, but there pricing strategy was at times ludicrous...

yummy-mummy-amy

i always go to focus over b&q and homebase. 1 for location and 2 they are cheaper for the odd tin of paint/screws n stuff i need for small repairs.

fuzzgun19

Our local 'No frills' (part of focus) keeps having 50% off weekends to get rid of No frills stock.. not sure what this means for Focus though.

stphnstevey

Rumour rumour rumour
















Ohh sorry, thought that is what we were doing

Unsupported fact, unsupported fact, unsupported fact

sim11

My Focus went a few years ago and changed into Homebase overnight. Stock and all. So we have two now and no Focus. Preferred Focus to be honest, wallpapers always had a better selection. In fact a better selection of most things. Things was easier to find as well. Three of my rooms have wallpaper all from Focus.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

stphnstevey wrote: »

Rumour rumour rumour

Ohh sorry, thought that is what we were doing

Unsupported fact, unsupported fact, unsupported fact

I did drive past one branch yesterday thinking "I wonder if they go bust soon?"


Does that count?

jmc160

We have a Focus and a Homebase in town. Nearest B&Q is miles away and possibly (but not sure) more expensive than the other two.

A short time ago, Homebase downsized its store to accommodate a big Argos next door, which is great as now we don't have to pay parking to go and browse the laminated book of dreams.

Focus is now our largest DIY store and I've always preferred them. Whenever I've been doing a project I've mostly found Homebase just doesn't stock what I need and when they do, it's a bit dear. Even before they downsized I found they didn't stock what I needed. We've also found when we have bought from Homebase, it's not been the best quality. Especially the big ticket items.

Will be sad if Focus disappears from here.

adandem

We're miles away from a B&Q, I rely on our Focus and would be really sad to see it go.:(