UK hit hard by weather
Like-for-like sales at DIY group Kingfisher are down 2 per cent, according to first-quarter results.
In the UK, like-for-like sales were down 6.8 per cent for the 13 weeks ending April 29. At B&Q, total sales fell 7.7 per cent and sales of gardening and outdoor equipment were hit by unusually cold weather. Profit more than doubled at online business Screwfix Direct, where sales were up 26 per cent.
Kingfisher chief executive Gerry Murphy said: 'Overall, the UK market remains very promotional and weather sensitive and it is not clear that stronger holiday sales represent underlying recovery in demand.'
Kingfisher operates more than 660 stores in 11 countries in Europe and Asia. Its main brands are B&Q and Screwfix Direct in the UK and Castorama and Brico Depot on the continent.
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