B&Q to close nine stores across Wales

Earlier this year, B&Q confirmed their plans to dramatically reduce its overall selling space by 15%, leading to the closure of at least 60 stores across the UK over the next two years. 

Following a review of retail space requirements in Wales, B&Q has confirmed that it proposes to move its business to just 15 store locations in Wales by January 2017, with the proposed closure of nine stores, including Gorseinon, Neath, Queensferry Road Deeside, Aberystwyth, Hadfield Road Cardiff , Cardigan, Cwmdu, Ebbw Vale  and Pembroke Dock.

Customers in Wales will now be served by B&Q's online store, diy.com, which gives the option of delivery to the customer's home or to their local store - using the new Click & Collect service.

B&Q says the decision to reshape the store network has not been taken lightly the chain will endeavour to find positions for as many employees who are affected by the change as possible, either at nearby B&Q stores or elsewhere in the Kingfisher Group, such as at Screwfix. 

In addition, B&Q is in discussion with other retailers about the future of the store locations and job opportunities.

Mike Norton, Divisional Director South West, B&Q, said: "We remain committed to our customers in Wales and are investing to offer an enhanced range of home improvement essentials at the 15 remaining B&Q stores as well as online at diy.com.  

"This now offers over 40,000 home improvement products with the convenience of being delivered to the customer's home or to their local store, through our Click & Collect service.

"Over the coming months, we will be focused on redeploying as many colleagues impacted by these changes as we can." 

Source: The Wave.

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