Home Bargains is a leading UK discount retailer operated by TJ Morris Ltd, currently boasting over 630 stores as of early 2026 and serving millions of customers weekly with high-quality branded goods at low prices. Founded in Liverpool in 1976 by Tom Morris, the chain has evolved from a single shop named “Home & Bargain” into a national retail powerhouse with an eventual goal of operating 1,000 outlets across the United Kingdom. In the most recent financial year ending June 2025, the company reported a turnover of £4.54 billion, driven by a strategy of selling “top brands at bottom prices” across categories like health and beauty, home décor, frozen food, and garden supplies. Shoppers in 2026 frequently flock to the store for its legendary “Star Buys,” high-end fragrance dupes, and a rapidly expanding fresh food section that rivals major supermarkets.
The Business of Bargains and Store Logistics
The 2026 Expansion Strategy
Home Bargains is currently in the midst of a “new wave” of expansion, having opened 18 new stores in the last 12 months with plans to accelerate this growth throughout 2026. The retailer’s ultimate ambition is to reach a total of 1,000 retail outlets, filling gaps in its coverage across the South of England and strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The company is also investing heavily in its logistics network, with a massive new Doncaster Distribution Centre slated for full operational status in 2026. This facility will support the increased volume of fresh and frozen goods, allowing more stores to offer the full “Home Bargains Superstore” experience which includes on-site bakeries and butcheries.
Ownership and the Morris Family Legacy
Despite its massive scale, Home Bargains remains a family-owned business, controlled by the Morris family under the parent company TJ Morris Ltd. Tom Morris, the founder, is consistently ranked as one of the UK’s wealthiest individuals, yet the company maintains a low-profile, private culture that avoids the public-eye scrutiny of stock-market-listed rivals.
This private ownership allows the brand to maintain a “long-term” focus, reinvesting profits back into store refurbishments and employee benefits. In 2026, the company continues to be headquartered in Liverpool, specifically at the Axis Business Park, which serves as the nerve center for its global sourcing and national logistics operations.
The Secret to Their Pricing
The “Home Bargains model” relies on a disciplined cost structure and savvy procurement that allows them to undercut traditional supermarkets.
- Volume Buying: By purchasing enormous quantities of a single brand (like Dove or Febreze), they secure prices that smaller retailers cannot match.
- Clearing Surplus: They often act as a clearinghouse for brand manufacturers who are changing packaging or over-producing, passing those “liquidated” savings directly to the consumer.
- Minimalist Decor: Store interiors are functional rather than luxurious, keeping overheads low and ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the price tag.
What to Buy – Categories and “Star Buys”
Health and Beauty “Dupes”
One of the biggest drivers of Home Bargains’ popularity in 2026 is its reputation for high-quality beauty dupes. Their in-house brand, “Personal Care,” frequently releases products that look and smell remarkably similar to luxury brands like Chanel, Sol de Janeiro, and Elemis.
- Fragrances: In 2026, their £3.99 “designer-inspired” body mists have become viral sensations on social media platforms like TikTok.
- Skincare: Their vitamin C serums and hyaluronic acid ranges are lauded for having high active-ingredient concentrations at a fraction of the price of premium pharmacy brands.
Home Décor and Seasonal Aisle
Home Bargains is a destination for “seasonal reset” shoppers, particularly during the transitions to Spring and Christmas.
- Garden Centers: Many of the newer 2026 locations feature extensive outdoor garden centers selling everything from professional-grade compost to designer-look rattan furniture.
- The “Center Aisle”: Similar to Aldi’s “Specialbuys,” Home Bargains has a dedicated section for limited-time home essentials, including air fryers, weighted blankets, and trending kitchen gadgets.
Practical Information and Planning
Standard Opening Hours 2026
While hours can vary slightly by location (especially in retail parks vs. high streets), the typical schedule is as follows:
- Monday – Friday: 08:00 AM – 20:00 PM (Some superstores open until 21:00 PM)
- Saturday: 08:00 AM – 19:00 PM or 20:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 16:00 PM or 11:00 AM – 17:00 PM (Due to Sunday Trading Laws)
Finding a Store Near You
As of January 2026, there are 565+ active locations in the UK. You can find your nearest branch using the Official Home Bargains Store Locator.
- England: 410 locations (majority in the North West and Midlands).
- Scotland: 75 locations.
- Wales: 54 locations.
- Northern Ireland: 26 locations.
Online Delivery and Click & Collect
Home Bargains has refined its digital offering for 2026, though its primary focus remains in-store footfall.
- Standard Delivery: Available for small items with prices starting from £3.49.
- Large Item Delivery: Furniture and garden sets are delivered via a specialist two-man team for a higher flat fee (typically £19.99).
- Click & Collect: Currently available in select stores for specific product ranges, though not yet rolled out universally across all 600+ sites.
The Treasure Hunt and Financial Strategy
The Psychology of the “Bargain Aisle”
Home Bargains utilizes a “treasure hunt” retail model, similar to TK Maxx or Costco, where product availability is intentionally unpredictable. This creates a psychological sense of urgency; shoppers know that if they don’t buy a particular “Star Buy” item today, it likely won’t be there tomorrow.
- The Flow of the Store: Most stores are designed with high-margin “emotional” buys (like candles and décor) at the front and “essential” items (like milk and detergent) at the back.
- Price Anchoring: By placing a well-known brand like Ariel or Pampers next to a lesser-known but much cheaper alternative, the store “anchors” your expectation of value, making the lower-priced item feel like an irresistible steal.
The 2026 Garden and Outdoor Expansion
For 2026, Home Bargains has significantly upgraded its “Garden World” sections, which are now present in over 40% of their locations. These aren’t just small shelves of seeds; they are full-scale nurseries that compete directly with high-end garden centers.
- Premium Plants: Through direct-from-grower contracts in the Netherlands and the UK, they offer specimen shrubs and perennials for roughly 50% less than traditional nurseries.
- Alfresco Living: The 2026 outdoor furniture range focuses on “Industrial Chic,” featuring weatherproof aluminum sets and fire-pit tables that mimic designs found at retailers like John Lewis but at a third of the cost.
How to Save £500 a Year: The Strategy
To reach the £500 annual saving milestone, shoppers in 2026 are adopting the “Dual-Shop” method. This involves purchasing your bulk household items at Home Bargains before topping up fresh “short-date” items at a traditional supermarket.
Top 5 Saving Categories for 2026
Household Cleaning: Brands like Zoflora and The Pink Stuff are consistently 20–30% cheaper here. (Potential Saving: £120/year).
Personal Care: Switching branded shower gels, toothpaste, and deodorants from high-street pharmacies to Home Bargains. (Potential Saving: £150/year).
Pet Food and Supplies: Bulk-buying treats and premium kibble brands. (Potential Saving: £100/year).
Greeting Cards & Wrapping: Buying high-quality cards for 49p-99p instead of £3.50 elsewhere. (Potential Saving: £60/year).
Confectionery and Snacks: Branded multipacks for school lunches and movie nights. (Potential Saving: £90/year).
Seasonal Specialties: The 2026 “Christmas & Spring” Roadmap
The Christmas 2026 Preview
Home Bargains begins its Christmas “stocking” as early as late August, but the real deals appear in November. For 2026, the trend is “Nordic Minimalist,” with a focus on wooden ornaments, warm-white LED “flicker” candles, and their famous luxury hampers which can be custom-filled with in-store gourmet treats for under £30.
The Spring Clean Surge
During March and April 2026, the “seasonal aisle” transforms into a cleaning powerhouse. This is when they stock exclusive scents for floor cleaners and limited-edition laundry beads that are often unavailable in other stores. Experts recommend buying “bulk-buy” boxes of laundry powder during this period to lock in the lowest price per wash for the remainder of the year.
FAQs
Does Home Bargains have a loyalty card?
No, in 2026 the company remains firm on their “no frills” policy. They believe that keeping prices low for everyone is better than the administrative cost of a points-based loyalty scheme.
What are the “Flower World” delivery options?.
Home Bargains has a dedicated site for fresh flower delivery, offering bouquets starting from around £15 with free tracked delivery—significantly cheaper than traditional florists.
Is the “Star Buy” available online?
Only a limited selection of Star Buys are available online. Most of the best “one-off” deals are exclusive to physical stores to encourage footfall.
How do they compare to Aldi and Lidl?
Home Bargains often beats the “middle aisle” of the discounters on branded goods, while Aldi and Lidl typically win on own-label fresh groceries.
Can I buy garden furniture in the winter?
While stock is lower, many stores now keep a “year-round” outdoor range online, though the best in-store prices occur during the late-summer clearances in August.
What is the Home Bargains “Work for Us” program like?
In 2026, they are known for offering competitive pay and a 10% staff discount, often ranking high on “best places to work” lists for retail employees.
Are their perfumes actually the same as the designers?
They are inspired-by fragrances, meaning they use similar scent notes. While they are not the original product, many blind-scent tests in 2026 show that most people cannot tell the difference.
What time should I shop to find the best stock?
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are typically the best times, as this is when many stores receive their largest deliveries of new homeware and seasonal items.
Can I use coupons in Home Bargains?
They generally do not accept third-party coupons or manufacturer vouchers, as their prices are already set at the lowest possible margin.
Do they sell high-end electricals?
In 2026, they expanded their range to include brands like Tower, Russell Hobbs, and Shark, though these are often limited-stock “Star Buy” items.
Who owns Home Bargains?
The company is owned by TJ Morris Ltd, a private company led by founder Tom Morris and his family.
Why is it called Home Bargains?
The name was changed from “Home & Bargain” to Home Bargains in 1995 as part of a national rebranding effort to modernize the chain’s image.
Do Home Bargains sell fresh food?
Yes, many 2026 “Superstore” locations now feature a comprehensive fresh food section, including bread, milk, meat, and fresh produce.
Can I buy alcohol at Home Bargains?
Yes, most stores have a licensed section selling branded beers, wines, and spirits at significantly lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
What is a “Star Buy”?
A Star Buy is a limited-time, heavily discounted product featured by Home Bargains, often a high-end brand sold at a “too-good-to-miss” price.
Are Home Bargains and B&M the same company?
No, they are direct competitors. Home Bargains is owned by TJ Morris, while B&M is a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange.
Do they offer a student discount?
Home Bargains generally does not offer a student discount, as their everyday prices are already considered to be at the lowest possible margin.
Can I return items to any Home Bargains store?
Yes, as long as you have a valid receipt, you can return most unused and unopened items to any branch within 28 days.
Is Home Bargains dog-friendly?
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Home Bargains stores for hygiene and safety reasons.
Where are the biggest Home Bargains in the UK?
As of 2026, the store in St Helens (Boundary Road) and the Leeds (Adel) superstore are among the largest in the country by square footage.
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