As shopping habits change, retailers have generally struggled to adapt, not least the UK's DIY giants (and would-be players).
B&Q has now launched its latest salvo to keep up with new retail trends in Merton, South West London.
Pitched as a "convenience store", B&Q has aimed to create a compact, modern and fresh store over 13,000 sq ft. Over 6,000 products are features, with an additional 40,000 available through click and collect or home delivery.
Located on Merton's Nelson Industrial Estate, this is the first attempt at a B&Q convenience store concept, which was first teased last spring.
The store is aimed at DIYers and trade customers alike, with the latter encouraged to join the TradePoint scheme.
Greg Gluchy, Store Manager at B&Q Merton, said: "We’re looking forward to welcoming local residents to the store and helping them start and complete their home improvement projects. The store is compact, fresh and modern, giving customers access to all of our products through both our in-store ranges and next day click and collect service."
An emphasis on click and collect is likely significant, with the retail method widely seen as a successful way for bricks and mortar shops to capitalise on the growing popularity of online retail. The phenomenon has been adopted outside the DIY market, by the likes of SFS and fischer.
B&Q owner Kingfisher also recently expanded its Screwfix store portfolio into Ireland. Kingfisher's long-serving CEO Véronique Laury stepped down last year and was replaced by Carrefour's Thierry Garnier.
