B&Q could open up to 50 more smaller convenience stores on high streets across the UK, the retailer has hinted.
The DIY chain is best-known for its huge warehouse-sized stores, but also plans to open smaller Local outlets that are more the size of an ironmongers.
Now the retailer wants to open two B&Q Local stores in early 2023 - in Palmers Green and Camden, London, The Telegraph reports.
And B&Q could open up to 50 more stores after that, provided its smaller London stores are a hit with customers.
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."
B&Q will also keep opening its larger stores, Bell added.
A B&Q spokesperson said: “We’ve been trialling small store formats since 2020 and as part of that trial will be opening two more trial stores early next year in Camden and Palmers Green, under the name B&Q Local.
“Our small stores give customers convenience combined with access to our wide range of home improvement products and services. This includes paint mixing, kitchen and bathroom design, and key cutting, as well as our 35,000 products at diy.com for Click and Collect or home delivery.”
Last week B&Q's parent firm, Kingfisher, said it had sold 108% more loft insulation in the three months to October 31.
Kingfisher, which also owns Screwfix, said Brits were snapping up insulation to cut the cost of soaring energy bills.
Kingfisher chief executive Thierry Garnier said: “While the market backdrop remains challenging, DIY sales continue to be supported by new industry trends such as more working from home and a clear step-up in customer investment in energy saving and efficiency.”
Screwfix stores saw a 29.1% rise in smart thermostat sales and a 33.7% increase in customers buying thermostatic radiator valves.
B&Q began selling their 1.2-1.5m Nordmann Christmas trees for £26 on November 11.
But for an even cheaper alternative, the store also began selling a smaller 0.7-0.8m potted Serbian spruce for just £12 on October 11 - although it’s worth checking whether or not these are still in stock.
B&Q’s most expensive tree is their largest 2.4m+ Nordmann, costing £68.
Most of B&Q’s trees are British-grown, with the exception of the Serbian spruce, which comes from Germany.
For families looking to cut down on the cost of other Christmas decorations this year, money guru Martin Lewis recently advised buying them later than usual.
According to MoneySavingExpert, some shops will reduce the price of their decorations in the weeks leading up to Christmas, meaning you can decorate for a fraction of the price.
So for those who don’t mind holding off on decorating until a little closer to Christmas day, they may want to consider waiting for reduced prices.
