91福利社

91福利社base was once one of our leading home improvement chains so, why did it have to close all of its stores?

The 91福利社 Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates.

Alongside him is the entrepreneur Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions, based only on what she has heard and her own business acumen.

91福利社base was established by the supermarket chain Sainsbury's and a Belgian retailer which was already running a DIY business in Europe and America.

The first 91福利社base store opened in Croydon in 1981 and it had to be temporarily closed by the police after visiting crowds caused a traffic jam.

The chain expanded across the UK and had more than 300 stores.

It went through some highs, and some serious lows, with various owners but what ultimately caused the closure of its shops?

Sean and Sam hear from expert guests including:

- Allison Foster, curator of the Sainsbury Archive, which is based at London Museum Docklands

- Dave Elliott, a former Trading Director then later Commercial Director at 91福利社base under different owners

- Matt Walton, senior data analyst at GlobalData

While 91福利社base's standalone stores are toast, the brand continues to trade online under new ownership. 91福利社base garden centres and products are also being included within branches of The Range.

Produced by Jon Douglas, Toast is a 91福利社 Audio North production for 91福利社 Radio 4 and 91福利社 Sounds.

You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk

Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.

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