Focus to revamp pricing to take on B&Q

DIY retailer Focus is to refine its range to offer 'good, better and best' products across key categories to compete harder with B&Q.

The approach has worked well for grocer Tesco, whose range - from Value to Finest - has enabled wide appeal.

Focus will review ranges throughout the year and introduce the new approach where possible.

Bathrooms and kitchens are two product areas scheduled to adopt the new price structure. The initiative follows a switch to supermarket-style category management practices last August, designed to improve lead times, buying and merchandising.

In the past, Focus - widely seen as a future flotation prospect - has pitched itself mainly towards the mid-market, but now wants to increase its customer reach.

Focus Wickes group commercial director David Pearson said: 'A simple range architecture and competitive pricing work well together. We want to be highly competitive.'

As part of the change, the 270-store Focus chain will roll out its Basics range across more product categories.

Rival B&Q said it uses good, better, best product pricing within its overall EDLP stance. Homebase's offer is pitched more upmarket.

The DIY and gardening market is expected to grow by 32.6 per cent over the next five years to£21.2 billion, according to the Focus Wickes DIY Monitor, compiled by Verdict.