B&Q is a DIY and home improvement retailer in the UK, operating as a subsidiary of Kingfisher, which also owns Screwfix. Founded in 1969 by Richard Block and David Quayle, the retailer was bought first by Woolworths in the early 1980s, before the group was sold to Kingfisher. From early 2016, the group has been undergoing a five-year transformation strategy under the One Kingfisher banner, designed to leverage its scale. This is focused on creating a unified and unique offer across the whole business, driving digital capability and optimising operational efficiency. Kingfisher has been investing heavily in digital across the group, improving fulfilment and mobile to drive online growth. The retailer’s greatest growth potential lies in omnichannel and it is fast developing its offer. It is also overhauling its systems in a bid to drive efficiency and make the business more agile. Smaller-format stores have been around since 2017, with an offer tailored to urban markets.
The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for the retail industry, but it has been extraordinary to witness how retailers responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the retail phenomena of the past year has been the rise and rise of the supermarket shop-in-shop.
DIY giant Kingfisher has posted a year of strong growth as the home improvement trend continued to thrive in lockdown – but how sustainable will the newfound passion for DIY be?
Kingfisher has announced plans to open B&Q franchised stores in the Middle East starting with two in Saudi Arabia.
Retail Week looks at the investments helping retailers to operate faster and slicker, and investigates the different elements comprising digital transformation.
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