New Irish stores help Homebase sales increase by 60%

HOMEBASE, the DIY and garden centre chain, saw sales at its Irish stores rise 60% in the year to end February 2006.

The company, owned by the British-listed Home Retail Group, said the surge in sales was due to the opening of new stores and like-for-like sales growth at its existing outlets.

According to accounts recently filed at the Companies Registration Office, turnover up to February 2006 was €52.4 million, up from €32.4m in 2005.