As part of a series of new initiatives, B&Q is also pursuing a link-up with supermarket chain Asda at some of its outlets.

B&Q owner Kingfisher’s annual results for the year ended February 2, 2013, show B&Q’s total sales in the UK and Ireland were down 3.6% (-5.6% on a like-for-like basis) to £3.7bn reflecting the “difficult UK backdrop” and challenging environment in Ireland, where its nine stores suffered losses of £7m and which are now subject to an examinership process.

The company said the market for the UK’s leading home improvement retailers was down about 3%, with seasonal ranges dipping by 9%. But it said it had outperformed the market with sales down by only 2%.

“Average footall was down 20% in the severely weather-affected weeks,” it said. “Sales of building products were also impacted by the adverse weather.”

B&Q is addessing the situation through several initiatives, including the group’s “Creating the Leader” plan, which involves the launch of an upgrade to B&Q’s on-line offer, including 20,000 extra products for home delivery.

Also, a deal reached with Asda at its Belverdere B&Q store has resulted in the outlet being reduced in size by 50% and the remainder sub-let to the supermarket. Sales density has improved 88% so far.

Four further supermarket agreements are in place and planning permission is awaited.

During the year B&Q opened one new store, while 60 Screwfix outlets – also owned by Kingfisher – commenced trading.

B&Q successfully integrated 28 Focus DIY stores, contributing 2% to B&Q’s sales growth.

B&Q’s TradePoint business saw sales rise by 20% – with its sales now making up nearly 20% of total B&Q store sales. More than 1.2 million customers are now registered as TradePoint customers.

Screwfix sales grew 9.8% to £577m, due to new store openings, the success of the mobile “click, pay and collect” service and a redesigned catalogue. Retail profits were up 33.9% to £47m.

Screwfix now has 275 outlets, with a further 50 planned in 2013/14. B&Q and Screwfix are increasingly operating together and sharing a distribution network, so from next year will report as one business.

Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher group chief executive, said the group had experienced a “tough year”, which included the effects of adverse weather in the UK.

“Looking ahead, although we expect market conditions to remain challenging, we will continue to actively manage the business, optimising the generation and use of cash and driving longer term success through our own actions.”