This time, the bad news come from home improvement retailer B&Q. On 20th March 2019, it emerged that this DIY chain store would be reducing the number of shops it currently has in the UK. B&Q representatives confirmed that a total of 15 shops will be closing over a period of 2 years.
It appears that the decision to close some of B&Q’s locations is connected to the company’s poor financial results. After reviewing its figures in January 2019, B&Q’s parent company Kingfisher reported a significant decline in pre-tax profits, which dropped by more than 50 per cent over the past year, as well as a 3 per cent drop in sales.
B&Q is also experiencing some internal turmoil following the anticipated resignation of its current CEO, Veronique Laury. Recently, the multinational retailer confirmed that it is actively looking for a new CEO, although it did not offer any names as to who will be Laury's successor.
Also in March, Kingfisher announced the closure of other retail outlets not only in the UK, but also in France, Romania, and Germany. But although some B&Q stores will be closing across Britain, Kingfisher plans to increase the UK presence of tools and hardware retailer Screwfix, which is the group’s best-performing company. Previous plans to establish 700 Screwfix outlets in the UK have been modified to reach 800 stores.
News in the same category
The recently opened Sheldon Retail Park is in its second phase of development now. Among the outlets which will open in the coming month is a brand new M&S food store.
On Friday, the 4th October 2019, Co-Op Stores opened a new branch in the Capital Quarter in Cardiff. There’s a bakery on the premises as well as a Costa Coffee. As in other branches, this store sells a selection of fresh foods, hot foods and wine.
Beauty brand L'Occitane and fashion chains Fat Face and Moss Bros are setting up shop in or around Westgate Centre, in Oxford’s city centre.
Amazon Pantry crossed the Atlantic Ocean and is now available in the U.K. too, making your grocery shopping even more easy and competitive.
