Sales at Kingfisher's British DIY business, B&Q, have soared ahead of the demerger of its electricals stablemate, expected in July. Further news on the demerger is expected in the next two weeks. KESA, the electricals vehicle that includes Comet and France-based Darty, has already secured a corporate headquarters in London for a team of approximately 25 people.
B&Q increased like-for-like sales by 6.3 per cent in the 13 weeks to May 3. Sales increased by 12.8 per cent. B&Q benefited from good weather and strong sales in showroom ranges. B&Q is testing eight mini-Warehouse stores and is considering opportunities to convert some from Supercentres.
Kingfisher chief executive Gerry Murphy said planning restrictions were increasingly forcing retailers to consider alternatives to opening big box out-of-town warehouses.
He said B&Q already had a bank of developments planned that will sustain Warehouse expansion for 'some years to come.'
But he added: 'There is no doubt that these big-box warehouse stores are going to become more difficult to get planning for, for environmental and other reasons. We have to look at possible alternatives to growing that format.'
Total sales at Kingfisher for the period increased by 9.2 per cent to£2.63 billion. Like-for-likes were 4.1 per cent ahead. Retail profit increased by 34.4 per cent to£154 million.
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