Kingfisher is planning an assault on the building trade sector with the launch of 20 stores.
The DIY group is making the move after suffering a sales fall of 2.2% and a 33.7% fall in profits in its core business.
About 15 new Screwfix Direct trade counters are set to open next year after successful trials of seven Argos-style catalogue shops selling a similar range to the web-based Screwfix operation.
Kingfisher also plans to open five Trade Depot stores next year.
The first store of the new concept, based loosely on the group’s successful French retail chain Brico Depot, is set to open in Millbrook, Southampton, in two weeks’ time.
References: The Times 24/10/05 page 37, page 38 (Need to Know)
