All B&Q articles
B&Q is a DIY and home improvement retailer in the UK, operating as a subsidiary of Kingfisher, which also owns Screwfix. Founded in 1969 by Richard Block and David Quayle, the retailer was bought first by Woolworths in the early 1980s, before the group was sold to Kingfisher. Kingfisher has been investing heavily in digital across the group, improving fulfilment and mobile to drive online growth. The retailer’s greatest growth potential lies in omnichannel and it is fast developing its offer. It is also overhauling its systems in a bid to drive efficiency and make the business more agile. Smaller-format stores have been around since 2017, with an offer tailored to urban markets.
-
NewsB&Q ends 30-year logistics partnership as it acquires new distribution hub
B&Q has ended 30-year-long logistics partnership with PJH Group and has appointed GXO to manage its newly acquired distribution site, Retail Week can reveal.
-
NewsKingfisher appoints new chief commercial officer
Kingfisher has appointed a new chief commercial officer, a new role within the home improvement group, Retail Week can reveal.
-
AnalysisRetail 2026: leaders reveal AI investment priorities
Retailers across the board are backing AI technology as a core engine for growth, productivity and insight in 2026
-
AnalysisKingfisher: the factors powering its success – and warning on business rates’ impact
DIY giant Kingfisher, owner of B&Q and Screwfix in the UK, lifted its full-year profit forecast to the upper end of expectations on the back of strong interims
-
NewsKingfisher hails performance of B&Q and Screwfix as it upgrades profits
Kingfisher has singled out its strong UK performance across both B&Q and Screwfix as it upgraded its full-year profit guidance.
-
AnalysisFour technologies driving bricks-and-mortar growth, according to retail leaders
Retailers are placing physical stores at the heart of their investment strategies, according to a worldwide survey of retail executives by Bain and VusionGroup shared exclusively with Retail Week.
-
NewsB&Q to cut over 650 roles to ‘simplify retail structure’
B&Q has placed more than 650 roles across its business into consultation as part of efforts to streamline its retail structures, Retail Week can reveal.
-
AnalysisChatGPT agent mode on trial: how Sainsbury’s, Wickes and more handle AI as a customer
Most retailers aren’t yet ready to be shopped by customers using an AI agent. At least, that’s what our test of ChatGPT’s Agent mode showed when Retail Week put it through its paces on some typical shopping missions.
-
FeatureFrom browsing bliss to tedious clicks: Has online shopping lost its spark?
According to research by Criteo, 76% of people think that ecommerce is functional, but not fun, almost 80% find shopping online lonely, compared to an experiential in-store experience, and nearly a third even view it as a chore.
-
NewsB&Q launches UK-first marketplace click-and-collect service
B&Q is to offer shoppers click-and-collect service for its third-party online marketplace, allowing shoppers to pick up their orders from as early as the following day, Retail Week can reveal
-
FeaturePull the lever: where are smart retailers finding fresh growth?
From opening new customer segments and sales channels, to expanding overseas and diversifying their offers, Retail Week explores the ways retailers are getting back into growth and highlights some of the biggest success stories so far.
-
NewsKingfisher posts sales rise as strong seasonal performance powers B&Q
DIY giant Kingfisher has reported an increase in quarterly sales after good demand for seasonal lines at B&Q.
-
AnalysisStaff discount index 2025: which retailers offer the best benefits?
From birthdays off to discounted gym memberships, we reveal the staff discount and employee benefits on offer at 60 of the UK’s biggest retailers.
-
InterviewQ&A: B&Q’s Andy Moat on pay, culture and the end of minimum wage in retail
B&Q people director Andy Moat talks about today’s competitive pay landscape, increasing expectations for staff on the shop floor and why retailers should be more transparent about their employees’ pay.
-
AnalysisRetail pay index 2025: how much do retailers pay their shop floor staff?
From Aldi to Zara, We reveal the base rate of hourly pay that 60 of the UK’s biggest bricks-and-mortar retailers offer their shop floor workers
-
GalleryInside the first of B&Q’s Homebase store conversions
The first of the former Homebase stores bought by B&Q has now opened in Greater Manchester.
-
InterviewQ&A: Kingfisher CEO Thierry Garnier on his ‘bullish mitigation’ of rising costs
B&Q and Screwfix-owner Kingfisher’s chief executive Thierry Garnier and chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry talk about rising costs, the AI revolution, Homebase and more.
-
NewsB&Q launches value message marketing campaign
B&Q has unveiled a major new marketing push highlighting its commitment to affordability.
-
FeatureRetail Week Awards 2025 – the winners
Check out the profiles of all the winners from the Retail Week Awards 2025 – and what the judges had to say.
-
VideoWatch: ‘National treasure’ Alan Wrigley wins Pride of Retail Award
At the Retail Week Awards 2025, we celebrated the career of B&Q Oldham greeter and fundraising legend Alan Wrigley with a special Pride of Retail Award.