Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q, has reported a 4.1% decline in sales for its retail business in the latest quarter. The organisation attributes the slowdown to poor weather conditions, which have reduced footfall and demand for outdoor products. B&Q, one of the UK's largest home improvement retailers, has experienced a decline in sales across its brands, including Screwfix and TradePoint. In a statement, Kingfisher said that the poor weather has had a significant impact on its sales, with customers delaying purchases of big-ticket items. The company has also reported a decline in sales of outdoor products, such as barbecues and gardening equipment.
Kingfisher has a strong presence in the UK DIY market, with B&Q operating over 300 stores across the country. The company has been investing heavily in its online platform and has seen significant growth in e-commerce sales in recent years. However, the poor weather has had a significant impact on its sales, and the company has warned that the slowdown is likely to continue in the short term. In a statement, Kingfisher said that it is 'closely monitoring the situation' and is taking steps to mitigate the impact of the poor weather on its sales.