As Home Bargains marks half a century in business, here is a look back at some of the key milestones in its history. For five decades, Home Bargains has grown from humble beginnings into one of Britain's biggest privately-owned retailers. The company, operated by TJ Morris, now has more than 600 stores across the UK and reported revenue of £4.5 billion in the year to June 2025, according to Bloomberg.
Despite having stores up and down the country, it is fitting that the business has its largest presence here in Merseyside, with its founder, Tom Morris, having opened the first shop — known then as Home and Bargain — in Old Swan in 1976. Tom himself was born in Liverpool on February 10, 1954 — the son of a Scotland Road shopkeeper and one of seven children. This year he appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List ranking among the highest-placed figures in the North West category with an estimated fortune of £15bn.
Now, as the family-run retail giant celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is hard to imagine that it began with a single shop. Its red and blue branding is a fixture on Liverpool's high street offering discounted groceries, health and beauty products, toys, household essentials and more.
1976 — Home and Bargain opens in Old Swan
At just 21 years old, Tom Morris opened the first Home and Bargain as a single store in Old Swan.
1979 — First warehouse opens in Prescot
Three years after opening the first store, the business took a major step forward by opening its first warehouse in Prescot, helping to support its growing retail operation.
1983 — Move to the Rocket Warehouse
As demand increased, operations relocated to the larger Rocket Warehouse facility, providing additional capacity for the expanding business.
1994 — Expansion to Fallows Way
The company moved once again, this time to a larger warehouse on Fallows Way, reflecting continued growth across the region.
1995 — Home Bargains brand is born
1995 was the year that started Liverpool's favourite debate as Home and Bargain officially rebranded to Home Bargains, also introducing its distinctive red and blue logo. Despite the name change, many shoppers in Merseyside still affectionately refer to the retailer by its original title.
January 2008 — New Croxteth headquarters approved
Plans were approved for a major new headquarters and a 10-storey distribution centre in Croxteth, underlining the company's ambitions for further national growth.
December 2008 — Expansion into Scotland
Home Bargains crossed the border for the first time with the opening of its first Scottish store in Rutherglen.
February 2010 — Northern Ireland growth plans announced
The retailer unveiled a £25 million investment programme aimed at expanding its presence in Northern Ireland.
2011 — First in-store café opens
The company diversified its offering with the launch of its first in-store café in Alfreton, creating a new experience for customers. Today Home Bargains cafes can be found in Speke, Fazakerley and Warrington.
August 2011 — Online shopping launch
Home Bargains entered the digital age by launching its transactional website, allowing customers to shop online for the first time.
2013 — Turnover tops £1 billion
In a major milestone, annual turnover surpassed £1 billion two years ahead of company projections. The same year also saw construction begin on a second major distribution centre in Wiltshire, strengthening the retailer's supply chain.
2013 — First garden centre opens
Home Bargains expanded into a new retail category with the opening of its first garden centre in Forfar. Today Home Bargains garden centres can be found in Speke, Fazakerley and Prescot.
2018 — Sales reach £2 billion
The company's rapid growth continued as annual turnover doubled to £2 billion.
June 2023 — Nearly 600 stores nationwide
Home Bargains reported operating 594 stores across the UK and outlined long-term ambitions to expand to between 800 and 1,000 locations.
June 2024 — Turnover exceeds £4.2 billion
The retailer reported annual turnover of more than £4.2 billion while increasing its store count to 617 locations.
March 2025 — New Doncaster distribution centre begins
Work officially began on a new distribution centre in Doncaster as the company invested further in its logistics network.
May 2025 — St Helens facility opens
An automated distribution centre opened in St Helens, described by Home Bargains as a 'new benchmark' in retail logistics.
2026 — Celebrating 50 years and a retro sign change
Fifty years after Tom Morris opened a single store in Old Swan with the help of a bank overdraft, Home Bargains has become one of the UK's biggest retailers and remains one of Merseyside's most recognisable businesses. In line with celebrating 50 years of Home Bargains, the company changed its Bold Street sign back to the original name, colour and logos.
