B&Q to close Arnold store

Shoppers say the closure of Arnold's B&Q store is "a loss to the town" but are confident the large retail unit in Mansfield Road will attract a new business.

Customers flocked to the store yesterday to cash in on bargains at the closing down sale, which has already launched.

B&Q, which employs 34 staff, is yet to give an official closing date but told the Post it would be within "the next few weeks".

Ex joiner Andy Martin, of Redhill, said the store should have upgraded to a superstore when it had the chance.

"You don't get the same range of choice at these medium sized stores as you do at the big ones," the 45-year-old said. "And there are local, independent businesses like Frank Key where you can get cheaper timber".

"They [B&Q] should have increased the size when they had the chance. It's a shame it has closed because it offers more competition, although there is a Wickes and a Homebase up the road."

The wide range of competition is the reasons for B&Q's closure, said Mark Hammans, chairman of Arnold Business Forum.

"It's never nice to hear people are likely to lose their jobs, but it's becoming more and more difficult for retailers. It's not awful news for Arnold because there are plenty of other DIY options in and around the town. You only have to look across the road for Homebase.

"You also have to look at the rise of online shopping, even in sectors like DIY, which are having a huge effect on the retail industry. It's a shame they are closing but I'm sure a new business will some in to fill the void soon enough."

Ann Saxton travelled from Bulwell to cash in on the bargains in the sale.

She said: "I only really came because of the offers. There are plenty of other options so I'm not heartbroken about it, but it is a loss for the town."

B&Q, which has stores in Netherfield, Eastwood and the Riverside Retail Park in Queens Drive said it hopes to create jobs for some staff at other B&Q or Kingfisher (it's parent company) stores.

In March B&Q announced 60 stores were to close over the course of two years.

A spokeswoman said: "B&Q Arnold will remain open for the next few weeks for a closing down sale where customers will have the opportunity to take advantage of some extra special offers.

"The total number of staff being re-deployed is not yet available, but we will keep you updated once we know more."

Source : Ben Ireland - Nottingham Post
www.nottinghampost.com/Shoppers-say-closure-Arnold-B-Q-branch-loss-town/story-27863535-detail/story.html