Kingfisher has reported robust first quarter gross sales from its Screwfix division although gross sales from B&Q have been decrease because of retailer closures.
The group introduced plans final yr to shut sixty five B&Q shops, and so far has shuttered forty, together with 10 within the first quarter.
The closures resulted in a four.three per cent fall in B&Q gross sales to £951 million, although on a like-for-like foundation, gross sales have been up three.6 per cent.
Screwfix continues to ship robust progress for the group, with like-for-like gross sales up sixteen.2 per cent on a like-for-like foundation and up 23.5 per cent on a reported foundation.
General, gross sales rose 5.1 per cent within the first quarter to £2.seventy two billion and UK gross sales rose 1.three per cent to £1.25 billion on 6.2 per cent like-for-like gross sales progress.
Chief government Veronique Laury, who’s overseeing a turnaround plan on the retailer, stated the outcomes characterize a “strong begin to the yr”.
She added: “As well as, I’m happy with the early progress we’re making on our operational milestones for this yr – the primary yr of our formidable 5-yr plan.
“We proceed to really feel assured in our potential to ship our plan, based mostly on placing buyer wants first, supported by the experience and enthusiasm of our colleagues.”
Kingfisher introduced final yr plans to open 200 new Screwfix retailers because it goals to draw extra enterprise from commerce clients.
The retailer, which additionally operates the Castorama and Brico Depot chain in France, stated it planed to up its Screwfix property from 412 to 612, opening round 60 new retailers a yr.