A HOMEBASE store set to close in Willerby could become a new branch of discount retail chain B&M.
The bargain goods group already runs 12 stores across East Yorkshire, including three in Hull, but is seeking to grow further.
Staff at the Homebase store in Willerby Shopping Park have been told they will be interviewed for jobs by the incoming tenant.
It is closing as part of the company's move to reposition itself in the market as families lose interest in DIY.
A B&M spokesman said: "We are actively seeking opportunities to increase the number of B&M stores across East Yorkshire.
"We're proud to have 12 stores across East Yorkshire already.
"But, as a growing business with more than 400 stores nationwide, we are always looking to expand further
He said the retailer would not comment on any specific sites, but did not deny rumours it could be setting up in Willerby.
Homebase is shutting one in four of its stores, with about 80 set to close.
When the East Yorkshire closure was made public last week, a spokesman for parent company Home Retail Group, which also owns Argos, said it was working to find staff other jobs.
He said: "Any impacted colleagues will be invited for an interview for future employment with the transferred retailer.
"We would also be looking at capacity in any nearby Homebase and Argos stores with a view to redeploying colleagues wherever possible, should the proposed transfer go ahead.
"We can confirm no other Homebase stores in East Yorkshire are scheduled to enter into consultation at this present time."
The DIY chain has another store in Sainsbury's Way, Hessle.
There are also six Argos shops in the region, including four in Hull.
They are all unaffected by the changes at Homebase.
Home Retail Group publicly announced the cutbacks in August, partly blaming the increasing popularity of online shopping.
A company statement said: "Although economic indicators have more recently improved, several structural factors continue to affect home improvement retailing, including an excess of retail space, the rise of a generation less skilled in DIY projects, and the growth of non-traditional digital and multi-channel competitors."
'It will be sad to see Homebase close'WHEN the Homebase closure was announced, Willerby councillor Michael Whitehead said he would be sorry to see the store go.
However, he accepted the need for the business to focus on its most profitable sites.
Cllr Whitehead said: "A lot of people shop at the Homebase store, but obviously, if it's not economic, we do understand the company's reasons for doing it.
"It will be sad to see it go.
"I wish the employees well and if there's anything I can do to help I will be happy to."
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