DIY giant B&Q has earmarked 45 sites where it plans to open mini-Warehouse stores, as the retailer looks at growth options alongside its big box expansion plan.
B&Q has four of the shops, which carry about 60 per cent of the full Warehouse range.
Speaking at the Retail Week Conference, Kingfisher director of strategy and development Jeremy Maxwell said up to five of the stores will open this year, following the early successes.
B&Q's Supercentre fascia may also disappear if the retailer decides to convert those stores to the new format.
The mini-Warehouse stores are simply branded B&Q, and feature a sales space of up to 5,000 sq m.
Maxwell added that B&Q is also focusing on new range development in areas such as flooring, home office, bedrooms and appliances. He said the retailer is to expand in services such as installation.
'B&Q has to drive product innovation and we want to do more of that,' he added.
B&Q may also roll out store-types such as its Sutton two-floor outlet and its Watford two-box store. Maxwell added B&Q will need to increase its annual staff intake by 5,000 in two years' time.
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