Kingfisher, the DIY retailer behind B&Q and Screwfix, has reported a fall in sales and profit in the six months to August 1, as new chief executive Veronique Laury concentrates on restructuring the retail giant.
Adjusted sales, which exclude the sale of B&Q's China business in April, slipped from £5.61bn to £5.38bn, although this was mainly due to exchange rate movements as many of the local currencies in overseas markets in which Kingfisher operates depreciated against sterling.
Like-for-like sales, which strip out currency fluctuations and the effect of store openings and closures, actually ticked up 2pc over the half-year.
Pre-tax profits dipped 2pc to £386m, dragged down by the weak sales performance, but also poor trading in France and higher borrowing costs.
The Telegraph: Kingfisher closes B&Q stores as it shifts focus to tradesmen
Comments
It would help if they did not just focus on builders and plumbers, but also gave professional gardeners discounts.
I would buy so much more there if I got a decent discount of 30% to 40% on tools, pots, plants, compost, fertilisers etc and other sundries.
30% to 40% discount, I think you are dreaming there Daniela :)
I have asked for discount time and time again when you go through the trade till and B & Q don't give discount on the shop items its only if you purchase anything out of the catalogue
That's why I only buy at B&Q if I really have to. The proper trade nurseries in Kent do give discounts on plants up to 50%. I get 10 to 20% on the other things.
That's why B&Q are struggling. I get a lot of things online too elsewhere. But whoever is running B&Q, Homebase et all thinks they have a captive audience. But the shops are quite empty and don't get me started on the useless self service tills. No staff, or staff unwilling to help.