Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Sales at DIY retailers B&Q rose 4.6% in the first quarter of 2009, while sister company Screwfix fell 6% in the same period.
Total B&Q sales were £1.04bn, a 3.2% increase in like-for-like terms, on the back of better weather and, in the case of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, the demise of MFI. Retail profit doubled to £58 million (2008/09: £29 million).
However, in the more challenging trade market Screwfix sales fell 6.0% to £119m, with the continued roll out of trade counters and the new ‘Plumbfix’ and ‘Electricfix’ specialist mail order catalogues.
During the first quarter, the division opened new outlets, taking the total to 145.
