High street DIY giant B&Q has confirmed plans to permanently close several of its UK stores. B&Q stays store closures will begin on March 11.
It comes after B&Q made a deal with ASDA to place smaller 'mini market' stores in supermarkets. Eight B&Q stores in ASDA supermarkets will shut.
According to B&Q, 57 staff will be affected, says the Mirror. However, staff impacted by the decision to close the "mini-markets" are to be offered alternative roles in nearby stores, so no jobs will be lost as a result. B&Q said the decision was made after an "intensive review" of the test format.
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Going forward the DIY chains strategy director Chris Bargate said it will now focus on their smaller high street stores, B&Q locals, with a plan to expand further.
Chris added: “Our ‘test and learn’ approach is an important part of building our strategy, and our aim to create consistent, small store format blueprints that can be scaled further across the UK. We’re continually listening to our customers and colleagues to take learnings to evolve the shopping experience in these smaller stores.
He finished by saying: “We value the contribution and the commitment from our colleagues at the concession stores.” An Asda spokesperson said the proposition between the chains had been "well received" by customers and Asda will use the lessons learned to "help inform its wider concessions strategy."
B&Q's eight locations set to shut are:
- Sheffield Drakehouse
- Dagenham
- Roehampton
- Edmonton
- Thurmaston
- Great Bridge
- Lancaster
- Hartlepool
The two popular chains teamed up in 2020 in response to changes in shoppers' behaviours during the Covid-19 pandemic which saw people tie multiple shops into one single trip. The first compact B&Q stores opened up across four Asda superstores and contained a large number of B&Q's usual products, such as paint, tools, hardware and other DIY essentials.
The DIY retailer has opened two new B&Q locals in London's Palmers Green and Camden districts this year. These stores were the first to adopt the B&Q Local name. In early 2022, B&Q launched an online marketplace where shoppers could access goods from third-party suppliers, the marketplace is available both on its website and on its mobile app.
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