Shoppers in Bishop’s Stortford and Sevenoaks flocked to the grand openings of new branches of The Range on April 18, 2025, marking a significant expansion for the popular retailer. Both locations, which feature a unique Garden Centre by Homebase, attracted large crowds eager to explore the new offerings and take advantage of exciting promotions.
The mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Cllr Richard Townsend, officially opened the new store located at Fitzroy Park off Stansted Road. As the doors swung open on Good Friday, a long queue of eager shoppers formed outside, ready to be among the first to experience the new dog-friendly store. The first 50 customers were rewarded with goodie bags packed with popular products from The Range, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
In addition to the goodie bags, early arrivals had the chance to win a Lay-Z-Spa Singapore AirJet Plus Hot Tub, valued at over £599, and a Charleston 2 Burner BBQ retailing at £99.99. Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS Superstores, which operates The Range, expressed his enthusiasm for the new location, stating, "We’re thrilled to have welcomed so many people to our new Bishop’s Stortford location. It was amazing to see the community come together to celebrate, and we’re proud to offer such a fantastic range of products and prizes to thank them for their support."
Simpson emphasized the importance of the new Garden Centre by Homebase, which allows customers to find everything from stylish homeware to outdoor living solutions all under one roof. The addition of this garden centre is particularly significant following the closure of the old Homebase in the area, ensuring shoppers can still access quality gardening products.
Meanwhile, in Sevenoaks, the new-format superstore also opened its doors on the same day, featuring a similar Garden Centre by Homebase. The store welcomed a vibrant crowd of shoppers, including families and pets, as it is also dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leads to accompany their owners inside.
As customers explored the aisles, they took advantage of the prize giveaways, with the grand prize being the same Lay-Z-Spa Singapore AirJet Plus Hot Tub. The first 50 customers in line at this location were also rewarded with goodie bags filled with The Range’s most-loved products. Brand representatives from key suppliers, including Burts, were present to offer expert advice, live demonstrations, and promotions throughout the day, adding to the excitement of the event.
Alex Simpkin noted the significance of the new store, saying, "We’re excited to have opened our new-format store in Sevenoaks and see so many locals and visitors join us for the grand opening. The addition of the Garden Centre by Homebase allows us to offer a complete shopping experience for customers, from stylish homeware to quality outdoor living solutions, all in one place."
In addition to the wide range of products, the new Sevenoaks store features a free Click & Collect service, allowing customers to shop online and collect their purchases in-store within 60 minutes, providing a seamless shopping experience.
The opening of these two stores not only represents a milestone for The Range but also highlights the retailer's commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for local communities. With both locations offering a mix of homeware, outdoor living solutions, and gardening products, customers are sure to find everything they need under one roof.
As the day came to a close, both stores were filled with satisfied customers eager to return and explore more of what The Range has to offer. The positive response from the community and the excitement surrounding the openings suggest that these new locations will quickly become local favorites.
Overall, the grand openings of The Range in Bishop’s Stortford and Sevenoaks were a resounding success, showcasing the retailer's expansion efforts and commitment to providing quality products and services to its customers. With the addition of the Garden Centre by Homebase, shoppers can look forward to a comprehensive shopping experience that meets their home and garden needs.
