Toolstation
Multichannel retailer of tools and building materials serving trade customers and the general public.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Toolstation is a multichannel retailer focused on tools, building materials, hardware and related products for tradespeople, contractors and do-it-yourself customers. The business combines physical branches with online and catalogue-based ordering, allowing customers to buy products through delivery, collection and click-and-collect services. Its offer is positioned around accessible pricing, broad availability and convenience for customers who need routine construction, maintenance and home-improvement supplies. The company was formed in February 2002 by Mark Goddard-Watts, a member of the founding family associated with Screwfix Direct. Toolstation subsequently became part of the Travis Perkins group. The reference material records Goddard-Watts selling his shares to Travis Perkins plc in 2012, while Toolstation is also described as having been bought by Travis Perkins in 2014. Under Travis Perkins ownership, Toolstation developed from a primarily online and catalogue-oriented retailer into a large branch network supported by distribution infrastructure. The United Kingdom has been the company's principal market. Toolstation expanded rapidly there during the late 2010s and early 2020s, reaching its 400th UK store in Balham in 2019 and adding 163 branches between 2020 and 2022, followed by seven more in 2023. A distribution centre in Middleton, Greater Manchester, opened in August 2018. The business also operates in mainland Europe, with branches in the Netherlands and Belgium; it previously operated in France but announced a withdrawal from that market after sustained losses despite sales growth. Toolstation remained open during the initial COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom because its products were considered essential to trade and maintenance activity. It initially emphasised a click-and-collect model to reduce contact between customers and colleagues. Although the temporary pandemic operating restrictions were later relaxed and the specific emergency model was discontinued, click and collect remained available across its sites and continued to be a commonly used purchasing route. By March 2024, Toolstation remained an important contributor to Travis Perkins, accounting for roughly one-fifth of group revenue according to the cited reference material. The UK operation continued to gain market share, while the European portfolio was under review. France was scheduled for exit, the Netherlands was expected to move toward break-even, and Belgium was subject to a longer-term profitability plan. Toolstation is therefore best understood as a UK-led, branch-and-digital home-improvement retailer operating within the broader Travis Perkins group, with international operations being managed selectively according to their financial performance.
History
Toolstation was established in February 2002 by Mark Goddard-Watts, who came from the family associated with the creation of Screwfix Direct. From its beginning, the company concentrated on selling tools and building materials through a combination of direct ordering and retail access. This multichannel approach allowed it to serve both professional tradespeople and household customers, while its emphasis on convenience and competitive pricing helped it build a distinct position in the home-improvement market. The ownership structure changed as the company developed. The cited history states that Goddard-Watts sold his shares to Travis Perkins plc in 2012, and Toolstation is also described as having been bought by Travis Perkins in 2014. Under the Travis Perkins group, Toolstation became a major retail component alongside the group's wider building-materials businesses. Its growth strategy increasingly relied on combining digital ordering with a dense branch network, enabling customers to choose home delivery, in-store purchasing or collection. A significant infrastructure step came in August 2018, when Toolstation opened a distribution centre in Middleton, Greater Manchester. The facility supported inventory distribution as the branch estate expanded. In 2019 the retailer opened its 400th store in Balham, illustrating the increasing importance of physical locations alongside its online operation. The COVID-19 pandemic created unusual operating conditions for UK retailers. Toolstation remained open because tools, building materials and maintenance supplies were treated as essential products for the trade and the public. During the early phase of restrictions, the company adopted a click-and-collect-led model to reduce contact and protect customers and colleagues. As government restrictions eased, the emergency operating arrangement was discontinued, but click and collect remained available throughout the branch network and continued to be a preferred purchasing method for many customers. Toolstation's UK expansion accelerated after 2020. By March 2024, the business was reported to have opened 163 new UK branches between 2020 and 2022 and seven additional branches in 2023. This expansion supported continued gains in UK market share and reinforced the company's role as a national trade and home-improvement retailer. The company also maintained operations in the Netherlands, France and Belgium for part of this period, creating a broader European footprint. The European businesses subsequently faced a different performance trajectory. In May 2023, Toolstation closed its distribution centre in Bridgwater, and employees associated with the site moved on to work at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. By 2024, Travis Perkins had decided that Toolstation would withdraw from France and was reviewing the Netherlands and Belgium operations. France had increased sales by 29 percent in 2023, but losses rose to £18 million and a further £20 million loss was expected in 2024. The Netherlands was forecast to reach break-even by 2025, while Belgium was forecast to do so by 2028. These decisions reflected a sharper focus on profitability and the stronger performance of the UK business. Toolstation remains an active Travis Perkins group company. The cited reference identifies Lakhvir Sanghera as managing director. Its current identity is that of a UK-led multichannel retailer with an extensive branch network, online ordering, delivery and collection services, supported by a product range spanning tools, building supplies, hardware and associated trade categories.
- 2024
European portfolio is restructured
[1]Travis Perkins announces Toolstation's withdrawal from France and a review of operations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- 2023
Bridgwater distribution centre closes
[1]The Bridgwater distribution centre closes in May; employees subsequently move to work at Hinkley Point C.
- 2020
COVID-19 operating changes
[1]Toolstation remains open in the United Kingdom and initially shifts toward click and collect to support safer purchasing during pandemic restrictions.
- 2019
400th UK store opens
[1]The company opens its 400th store in Balham.
- 2018
Middleton distribution centre opens
[1]Toolstation opens a distribution centre in Middleton, Greater Manchester, to support its growing operations.
- 2014
Travis Perkins acquisition
[1]Toolstation is described as having been bought by Travis Perkins, consolidating its position within the building-materials group.
- 2012
Shares are sold to Travis Perkins
[1]The cited history records Mark Goddard-Watts selling his shares to Travis Perkins plc.
- 2002
Toolstation is founded
[1]Mark Goddard-Watts forms Toolstation in February as a retailer of tools and building materials.
Products and positioning
Convenience-led, value-oriented tools and building-supplies retail for tradespeople, contractors, maintenance professionals and do-it-yourself customers.
Hand and power tools
Tools
Toolstation's core assortment includes hand tools and power tools used in construction, installation, repair, maintenance and home improvement. The range is intended to serve both professional trades and consumers undertaking smaller projects.
Construction supplies
Building materials
The retailer sells building and repair materials used by contractors, maintenance workers and do-it-yourself customers. These products complement the tool range and support routine construction, renovation and property-maintenance work.
Hardware
Hardware and trade supplies
Hardware and associated trade supplies broaden the offer beyond tools and basic materials. They are sold through Toolstation's branches and digital ordering channels for professional and household applications.
Installation supplies
Plumbing and electrical supplies
Toolstation's typical product categories include plumbing and electrical supplies, providing components and consumables for installation, repair and maintenance tasks.
Safety and workwear
Workwear and safety equipment
Workwear and safety products support customers working in construction, maintenance and other practical trades. They form part of the retailer's broader trade-oriented assortment.
Brand decisions
2024
Restructure mainland European operationsStrategyBackground
The UK business was growing, but Toolstation's mainland European operations were performing less successfully. France remained loss-making despite sales growth, while the Netherlands and Belgium had longer-term paths toward break-even.
Action taken
Travis Perkins announced that Toolstation would exit France and review its operations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Aftermath
France was expected to leave the portfolio, while the Netherlands and Belgium were managed against separate break-even expectations.
France operating loss. £18 million loss in 2023 → Expected additional £20 million loss in 2024 (2023-2024)
2020
Adopt a click-and-collect-led operating model during COVID-19StrategyBackground
The United Kingdom's initial COVID-19 restrictions created a need to maintain access to essential tools and building products while reducing contact between customers and colleagues.
Action taken
Toolstation remained open and initially shifted its retail operation toward click and collect. After restrictions eased, the temporary pandemic-specific arrangement was discontinued, although click and collect remained available at all Toolstation sites.
Aftermath
The service continued as an important purchasing option and was described as preferred by many customers.
Recent events
- 2024
Toolstation expands its UK branch network[1]
Other
The business had added 163 UK branches between 2020 and 2022 and seven further branches in 2023, supporting continued UK market-share growth.
- 2024
Travis Perkins plans Toolstation exit from France and reviews Benelux operations[1]
Other
Travis Perkins announced that Toolstation would leave France and review its Netherlands and Belgium businesses after European losses. France recorded strong sales growth in 2023 but remained loss-making.
- 2020
Toolstation remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic[1]
Other
The retailer continued operating in the United Kingdom to supply essential tools and building products, initially using a safety-focused click-and-collect model.
- 2019
Toolstation opens its 400th store in Balham[1]
Other
Toolstation reached 400 UK stores with the opening of a branch in Balham, marking the scale of its physical-network expansion.
Sources3 sources
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