Published by The Retail Gazette
B&Q TO ROLL OUT CONVENIENCE STORES ACROSS UK
B&Q is set to roll out more B&Q Local convenience stores as it expands its presence on the UK high street.
The Kingfisher-owned DIY retailer plans to open two stores in London’s Palmers Green and Camden districts in the first quarter of 2023, The Telegraph reported.
They will be the first to feature the B&Q Local brand, which the company recently applied to register as a trademark.
The convenience stores have been trialled on the high street by B&Q since 2020.
B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said:”Depending on the test and trial we could probably see quite a few – there are 50 odd catchments where we’re not represented.”
“But it’s finding the physical location and getting planning permission.
B&Q’s smaller stores offer a “takeaway range that’s probably most of the DIY generic bits and pieces”.
“You’ll still be able to plan and buy a complete kitchen and order lots of goods in larger stores and get them delivered the next day for click and collect,” Bell added
Despite focusing on expanding its local stores, Bell said B&Q will continue to open larger stores.
Earlier this year B&Q launched an online marketplace to include over one million home, DIY and garden products.
The retailer said at the time it will create a “a one-stop shop for your home”, strengthening its foothold in key categories such as lighting, power tools and wallpaper.