The message
from "Cicero" contains these words:

We complain about B & Q and their various precursors but they helped
considerably in opening up the DIY market. And I doubt if you will find many
plumbers' / builders' merchants etc. today which have a 'trade only' policy.
They know which side their bread is buttered.

True. However, I needed a gas control valve for my boiler a few years
ago and the bloked looked me up and down and said

"Trade?"
"Of course, what makes you think otherwise?"
"The baby under your arm".

Still let me have it, though.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.