DIYbanter - View Single Post - more from B&Q - 10% OFF everything in store

wrote:
They're going the same way as Homebase "Out go hundreds of lines of
nuts and bolts, in come DVD players and television sets."

Although they try to deny it "When asked whether the move was merely
copying Homebase, which is owned by GUS, he said: "Our proposition will
be very different from Homebase... but if we stay in the same market it
is unclear why we would ever increase sales"

The point which I notice is that the B & Q stores have lost any
semblance of order or cleanliness. I guess the staff have become
demoralised. Also, the stock is virtually identical to
Homebase/Focus/Wickes, it is what I understand as "Sheep Syndrome"
(copyright CSLtd), ie all stores have the same suppliers and stock. This
is certain death to any business. The success of Texas Homecare 20+
years ago was their willingness to take risks with the products that
they were offering. B & Q have lost this ability. They are well behind
Homebase, in say stocking a complete steam shower cubicle and their
brassware selection is utterly unimaginative. ( Even Lidl can outsell
them!!) Their general product range condemns them to low profit margins
and "poor" customers. MFI have at least recognised that there are
profits in stocking Neff, Miele and Fisher & Paykel products.

B & Q are also uncompetitive on simple products such as replacement
lampshades and "Chinese" tools. They are just not in touch with the
market and rely on customer ignorance to get away with ridiculously high
prices for many cheap products. Competitors such as "Pound shops",
"Wilkinsons" or "Range" are running rings around them in terms of
persuading the customers to part with their money!! To quote the old
maxim, " 2.5% of something is worth a lot more than 50% of nothing."
Even the pensioners have given up spending their money there on a
Wednesday!!

They should send their buyers to look at say "Menards" in the USA to
find a few new diy products which would attract some customers.

Regards
Capitol