What's Happening?
Home Bargains, a variety store retailer, has reached a significant milestone in the development of its automated distribution centre at Omega. The facility is currently servicing 200 UK stores, with plans to increase operations in January 2026 to serve 312 stores. The Omega site is handling over 25,000 pallets of stock weekly, picking and dispatching nearly 2 million cases, which translates to over 50,000 cages of stock and more than 1,000 store deliveries each week. Over 60% of the cases picked are managed through the fully automated section of the distribution centre. Additionally, Home Bargains is progressing on a new distribution centre in Doncaster, expected to open in summer 2028, which will add capacity for 300 more stores.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Home Bargains' distribution capabilities is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of its supply chain. This development supports the company's long-term growth strategy, allowing it to better meet consumer demand and improve service delivery across its network. The automated systems at Omega are a key component in achieving greater operational resilience, which is vital in the competitive retail market. The upcoming Doncaster site will further bolster the company's capacity, enabling it to expand its footprint and potentially increase market share.
What's Next?
Home Bargains plans to resume the ramp-up of operations at the Omega distribution centre in January 2026, aiming to serve 312 stores by the end of the month. The company is also focused on completing the Doncaster distribution centre by summer 2028, which will support additional store expansions. As these developments unfold, Home Bargains may experience increased logistical efficiency and potentially explore further growth opportunities in the UK retail sector.
