// B&Q to scrap partnership with Asda and close eight concessions across the UK
// The DIY retailer will close the eight concessions in Asda superstores from March 11
B&Q will ditch its partnership with Asda and close eight concessions across the UK as it focuses on launching smaller-format stores on the high street.
The DIY retailer will close the eight concessions in Asda superstores from March 11, with 57 staff expected to be affected.
B&Q and Asda launched their concessions partnership in 2020 with four shop-in-shops.
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All affected staff at B&Q would be offered alternative employment at nearby stores as strategy and development director Chris Bargate said B&Q will look at offering customers a more convenient and easy way to shop, Retail Week reported.
“The things we’ve been focused on over the last few years is testing and learning is really important for us. We’ve definitely got to speculate and work through what customers respond best to, and in the format space that’s really true,” he said.
“We’ve tried a whole bunch of different stuff and we’re now doubling down our efforts on this Local concept because we think it’s got real potential across the UK.
“As a result of that doubling down, we’re making the decision to terminate our partnership with Asda. We’re now just focusing our efforts on these smaller-format stores because we think this is where the bigger opportunity is.”
B&Q opened its first two convenience-store Local formats on January 27 in Camden and Palmers Green.
Meanwhile, Asda said both businesses will continue to build on the learnings but will not be continuing with the concessions in the supermarket’s stores.
