B&Q to open more TradePoint stores

Date published: 23 April 2010

B&Q is to extend its TradePoint business to include Ashton under Lyne, creating dozen of jobs by the late summer.

The Kingfisher-owned group currently has 38 TradePoint operations specifically designed for trade customers, with over 12,000 trade-only products available, including bricks and blocks, paint, kitchens and bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, tools and fixings from dedicated areas within B&Q stores.

Existing TradePoint outlets include branches in Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and Warrington.

B&Q is to open 118 TradePoint stores nationwide at a cost of £26m, including in Trafford Park, Bolton, Bury, Ashton under Lyne, Rochdale and Cheetham Hill, Manchester, creating around 60 jobs.

TradePoint combines Screwfix's know how and specialist trade brands with the convenience of B&Q's store location and long opening hours. TradePoint will be open seven days a week, up to 15 hours a day with guaranteed stock availability, fast service and competitive prices. As a joint initiative between B&Q and Screwfix, TradePoint is a good example of Kingfisher's businesses working more closely together.

Euan Sutherland, chief executive of B&Q and Kingfisher UK, said: “TradePoint represents a massive opportunity for Kingfisher in the UK. We hope to bring a real boost to Britain’s builders and tradesmen by creating new jobs in the sector and giving the trade what it wants – speed, personal service, trade products at trade-only prices.”

Customers using TradePoint must provide evidence of their trade status before being issued with a membership card.