Home Bargains opens £400m ‘next-generation’ automated warehouse

Home Bargains has unveiled its “cutting-edge” one-million square foot automated distribution centre just outside Liverpool.

The discount chain said its new £400m warehouse in St Helens, Merseyside, will operate “around the clock” to support 300 Home Bargains stores.

The facility utilises order picking technology from Witron allowing for 80% of the stock picking in the centre to be automated.

Home Bargains said the development, which employs 1,000 people, was a “key step” in its ambitious growth strategy and its mission to expand the reach of its stores across the UK.

It is also in the process of building a one-million square foot distribution centre in Doncaster, which will supply over 300 stores when it completes in October 2026.

The expansion comes as Home Bargains saw its pre-tax profits surge 35% to £454.8m in the year to 30 June, up from £336.5m.

Sales jumped 11% to £4.2bn, which it attributed to new shop openings, relocations of existing locations and higher sales across the portfolio.

The retailer, which has 617 stores, is set to continue its expansion this year as it targets 800 and 1,000 locations across the UK.

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