CDS (Superstores International) Limited, trading as The Range, is a major UK retailer offering home, garden, leisure, and DIY products. Founded in 1989, CDS has rapidly expanded its footprint across the UK and Ireland. In late 2024, the company acquired up to 70 former Homebase stores, integrating concepts like “Garden Centre by Homebase” and “Kitchens by Homebase” into its new superstore format.
Project Overview
RAS was engaged in December 2024 to support the conversion of 49 stores into the new Range format. This fast-paced initiative required intense operational planning, execution, and ongoing coordination to ensure every store was ready for trade.
Each store underwent ten working days of preparation, with teams on-site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stores launched every Friday, eleven days after the commencement of work. RAS was responsible for merchandising, replenishment, SEL production, and overall store readiness. Additionally, fourteen stores received support from a Counterbalance/Flexi-licensed FLT colleague.
Timeline & Scope
- Project Duration: 7 January – 15 May 2025.
- Rollout Pace: a standard of three stores per week, increasing to six stores running concurrently during peak periods.
- Team Size: 8 to 16 field operatives per store.
Coverage
- England: 39 stores
- Republic of Ireland: 5 stores
- Scotland: 2 stores
- Northern Ireland: 2 stores
- Wales: 1 store
Performance Metrics
- Shifts Requested: 5,757
- Shifts Delivered: 5,685
- Fulfilment Rate: 98.75%
Health & Safety Assurance
- Daily monitoring and H&S checks led by Team Leaders.
- 18 unique site visits by Regional Managers (representing 36.7% of store coverage).
- Ongoing oversight ensured sustained focus on PPE usage, risk awareness, and manual handling practices.
- Positive feedback from site managers and client representatives highlighted professionalism and safety culture.
Testimonials
-
The Range, High Wycombe
"Steve has been an absolute pleasure to work with from the very beginning, he has shown class in everything that he has done. The standard he has produced has been fantastic, and I'd much enjoy working with Steve again in the future." -
The Range, Santry
"Adam has been a great supervisor, he gets stuck in with the work alongside the staff, which is great to see as not all supervisors do that. The staff have been great under his guidance and I would be happy to have him alongside any team given in any future stores." -
The Range, Blythe
"Team great professional, Paul team manager is excellent. Good communication always, keep team controlled and happy. Standards great and keeps everything clean and tidy." -
The Range, Ruislip
"Excellent team, merchandised well, worked hard and had excellent time keeping."
“Over the last 6 months, from planning mobilisation at scale to support this project, visiting stores throughout and completing in May 2025, it’s been incredible to watch this huge logistical challenge unfold and with so many partners playing their part. RAS are proud to have been involved, from the perspective of supplying skilled contingent workforce for every store to fully complete all merchandising required to take each store to launch, as well as safeguarding jobs and seeing communities benefit from these stores being available in their local area”
Lee Singers MAPM | Head of Sales & National Accounts