Renewed consumer interest in DIY and better weather has boosted B&Q’s third quarter retail profits by 45% to £43m.
B&Q’s total sales grew 6.3% to £970m in the 13 weeks ended October 31, compared to a year ago, with DIY and decorative product sales remaining “resilient”. Bigger ticket sales, including kitchens, were up around 11%, while outdoor products recorded an 11% gain.
However, B&Q parent Kingfisher plc said the trade sector in the UK and Ireland continued to be more challenging.
“This is a strong set of results with our businesses in France, Poland and B&Q UK performing well,” said Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher group chief executive.
During the quarter, one further full B&Q store revamp was completed and 49 more limited revamps focusing on main showroom categories of kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.
B&Q UK & Ireland now has 119 large stores and 211 medium stores.
