The collapses of furniture retailers such as Floors2Go in the last month served to show that the furniture and home sectors are in a run-down state – a verdict reinforced by the BRC retail sales data this week.

The collapses of furniture retailers such as Floors2Go in the last month served to show that the furniture and home sectors are in a run-down state – a verdict reinforced by the BRC retail sales data this week.

So there will be keen interest next week on the state of maintenance at market-leading DIY group Kingfisher, owner of B&Q. When Kingfisher last updated in July, it reported toughening conditions and performance then was not helped by closing down Sales at bust rival Focus. But despite the poor state of decor in the market generally, Kingfisher is likely to remain the home enhancement sector’s long-term winner.

Along with its measurable programme of business improvement, such as increasing group sourcing, Kingfisher has continued to focus on the customer by bringing to market innovations such as tiles that do not need grouting and easy to put up wallpaper.

Such developments may lack the glamour of new products in other retail categories, such as the iPad, but they should not be underestimated.

In the present climate, shoppers will only part with their cash when a product provides clear value and excites them – and in the home category, that is what Kingfisher’s latest products seem to be doing.

Despite a tough second quarter, Kingfisher boss Ian Cheshire was confident in July that the retailer could turn testing times into opportunity. It will be a surprise if the story changes next week.

Rallying the JJB team

Good luck to the JJB directors who stand to make a mint if they manage to turn the retailer around. It won’t be easy money. The appalling trading conditions facing retailers won’t help JJB address its problems, while rival Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct continues to perform strongly. If the JJB team achieve the goals set out in their incentive scheme, they will have earned every penny.