Major UK retailer with 210 branches closed city store after 'severe rat infestation'

A major retailer with 210 UK stores was forced to close a city store due to a "severe rat infestation". There was reportedly a strong smell of urine and faeces at the shop while some pet food had visible bite marks.

The Range has been fined £250,000 after environmental health officers made the discovery at its store on Suez Road in Enfield, London. The retailer pleaded guilty to two offences under food hygiene laws and closed the chain immediately to allow for a deep clean of the site.

As reported by MyLondon, they were initially fined £100,000 after officers found an infestation on February 5, 2024 but fresh droppings and live rats were found during a second visit almost a year later on January 15, 2025. The Range was then forced to pay a further £150,000.

According to Enfield Council, health inspectors noticed a strong smell of urine and faeces across the floors of the shop, on shelving and near stock. Some of the pet food had been bitten while droppings and smear marks were also found throughout the store.

The shop has since reopened following a deep clean of the premises. The local council said it took "immediate action" to close the store and removed all food to protect residents.

Councillor Susan Erbil, Enfield Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: "The Council's environmental health officers discovered unacceptable conditions when they visited The Range's premises in Enfield.

"We took immediate action to close the pet section and remove all food for human consumption from the shop floor and cafe to protect our residents.

"The large fines imposed by the judge in court are justified due to the seriousness of this case. It's essential that business operators ensure pest control measures are in place and are regularly monitored."

The Range sells a variety of home and garden products, including furniture, art supplies, homewares and DIY equipment. The company has also recently acquired and rebranded Homebase stores.