Home improvement retailer B&Q has reported solid growth in its half-year results, with big-ticket sales continuing to fuel a positive performance. According to Kingfisher, B&Q's parent company, total sales for the six months ending 31 July 2025 rose 0.9% to £6.8 billion, compared to £6.7 billion the previous year. Like-for-like (LFL) sales increased 1.3%, while statutory pre-tax profit climbed 4.1% to £338 million from £324 million year-on-year.
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The UK market remained a strong performer for both B&Q and Screwfix, with LFL growth of 4.4% and 3.0%, respectively, alongside improving trends in France and Poland. B&Q's total sales rose 4.6% (LFL +4.4%) to £2.1 billion, driven by trade, e-commerce initiatives, and innovations in big-ticket categories. Customer migration from closed Homebase stores and strong seasonal product sales, supported by favourable weather, also contributed to performance.
Kingfisher highlighted that big-ticket growth was underpinned by successful range reviews, particularly the introduction of B&Q's tiered kitchen offering—Essential, Select, and Signature. This strategy broadened customer appeal and had a meaningful impact on overall sales. Seasonal growth in outdoor categories further supported strong LFL performance, benefiting from the closure of nearby Homebase stores.
During the period, B&Q opened nine new stores, including eight converted Homebase sites, while closing two, bringing its total store count in the UK and Ireland to 317. Space growth contributed 0.2% to total B&Q sales.
Looking forward, Kingfisher expects FY 25/26 adjusted PBT to land at the upper end of the previously guided range of £480 million to £540 million, reflecting strong first-half profit performance and planned investments in marketing and technology to drive growth. CEO Thierry Garnier emphasised the company's disciplined approach to cost management in a high-cost environment, noting that strategic initiatives, trade, and e-commerce growth supported market share gains.
Garnier added: "Our first half delivered high-quality like-for-like sales growth of 1.9%, supported by increased volumes and transactions. We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities, maintaining cost discipline, and driving shareholder returns."
With continued momentum in big-ticket categories and strategic initiatives, B&Q is well-positioned to capitalise on both market opportunities and operational efficiencies in the year ahead.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
