B&Q like-for-like decline slows

But the flagship UK arm – comprising B&Q, Screwfix and Trade Depot – posted a 0.5 per cent fall in like-for-like sales – a big improvement on the 7.9 per cent decline in the first quarter.

Total group sales climbed 4.4 per cent and were up 5.1 per cent at the UK division.

Kingfisher blamed its decline in like-for-likes on the UK’s “extremely tough” trading conditions as well as housing regulations in China, where B&Q posted a 28.5 per cent fall in comparable store sales in the period.

Its French division – Castorama and Brico Depot – posted a 0.6 per cent drop in like-for-likes sales.

Kingfisher chief executive Ian Cheshire said: “We are cautious about the consumer outlook. However, I am confident that the investments made in recent years have improved our value credentials and customer offer, leaving us well placed to trade effectively in difficult times.”

Last week, the retailer poached Ikea UK chief executive Peter Hogsted to head its international division. It has also appointed Kevin O'Byrne, group finance director of electricals retailer DSGi, to take the same position at Kingfisher.