First UK Bunnings store in October

PERTH, Australia ― Wesfarmers will roll out the first conversion of a Homebase store in the U.K. to the Bunnings banner this fall. Up to three Bunnings locations will open by Christmas, beginning with a pilot store in October. Bunnings CEO John Gillam said rebranding all Homebase stores would take at least two years, but improvements to the chain’s efficiency are more urgent. Bunnings has brought Archie Norman and Matt Tyson, both formerly with rival Kingfisher, to help mastermind the venture. Norman previously helped Wesfarmers turn around Coles, its Australian grocery business.