B&Q to close Hartlepool store in January

B&Q has confirmed plans to shutter its Hartlepool store, located in Tees Bay retail park, in January 2017.

The closure was announced last year but staff were only told that it would take place in parent company Kingfisher’s 2016-2017 financial year.

A B&Q spokesperson said: “We can confirm that staff at B&Q Hartlepool have been told their store is set to close in January 2017.

“We will endeavour to find alternative positions for as many staff as possible.”

Around 15% of surplus B&Q store space across the UK and Ireland – 60 stores – will be closed by the end of January 2017, following the decision taken by parent company Kingfisher's new CEO, Veronique Laury, to streamline operations and organise the business differently in order to unlock its potential.

Concerns about the effect of the closure on the retail park have also been raised, with local councillor Paul Thompson stating:

“People who go to B&Q invariably shop in the other stores there and vice versa. There is the potential for a knock-on.

“It is terrible for the people who are employed there.”

Aldi, The Range and Home Bargains are also located on the retail park.

In recent weeks, store closures have been announced for B&Q Broadheath, B&Q Plymouth, B&Q Rotherham and B&Q Ireland's Craigavon branch.

Image: Brendan Howard / Shutterstock.com 

Source: Insight DIY Team

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