B&Q is introducing plastic plant pot recycling stations at more than 100 of its stores across the UK this year as part of its commitment to help shoppers make more sustainable choices. Customers will be able to drop off their unwanted pots, which the DIY retailer will then recycle and turn into new planters. The 100% recycled plastic Blacksmith Planters are weather resistant and will be available to buy from B&Q stores for £4. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning  B&Q head of quality and susta ..read more

Wickes has backed its full-year profit guidance despite warning trading remains “uncertain” as it posted a drop in first quarter sales. Group like-for-likes for the home improvement retailer fell 4.2% in the 16 weeks to 20 April. Retail sales edged up 0.6% during the period, which the retailer said was driven by volume with an increased number of transactions as selling prices saw “mild deflation”. Wickes said the start of the year has seen a “continuation of trends”, with sales of its lower-priced Lifestyle Kitchens range up 25% year-on-year. The retailer reported its design and ins ..read more

Screwfix is investing £1m into doubling its refurbishment operations as part of its commitment to keep products in use for longer. Refurb by Screwfix will now include high value non-electrical items and water-based products such as pressure washers, showers, and taps, on top of its existing offer of electrical tools. The initiative launched online at the start of 2022 and reached £2m in sales last year. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning  The £1m investment will go towards developing its refurbishment c ..read more

Wilko has launched its own collection of affordable and self-assembly kitchens. The new range consists of six styles that the retailer said “reflects the UK’s most popular kitchen aesthetics and colour schemes”. Shoppers can now redesign and create their entire kicthen, with everything from units and worktops to lighting and splashbacks available online. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning  Wilko said the collection offers “cost-conscious consumers a quick, easy and affordable way to upgrade the focal po ..read more

Frasers Group is shutting its Manchester office, placing roughly 100 jobs at risk across Studio Retail and I Saw It First. The Sports Direct owner is set to close its Trafford office, according to Drapers, with affected staff members reportedly being given the chance to move to Frasers’ other offices depending on their role functions. In an email to workers, Frasers Group said: “Due to the challenging economic and trading climate, there is a need to continue to review resources and operations to ensure that all group companies are operating efficiently and cost effectively. “It is against this ..read more

John Lewis is posting its job interview questions online, in a bid to make the process less overwhelming for potential staff members. The retailer is set to publish its questions “for every role” online “for everyone to see,” according to the Financial Times. John Lewis talent acquisition lead Lorna Bullett said: “We want the right people, from a variety of backgrounds, with the best talent to join our organisation. “It makes absolute business sense to find ways of helping candidates to really demonstrate what they can do.” Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get th ..read more

The Cotswold Company has expanded its premium delivery service to Northern Ireland as it looks to grow its presence across the UK. The luxury furniture retailer said the online expansion will allow it to pursue new growth opportunities as it aims to become one of the nation’s leading lifestyle homeware brands. It has “carefully selected” a local delivery company to service its Northern Ireland customers and ensure that large items are taken to the right room with all packaging removed and recycled. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get the latest news straight int ..read more

B&Q has opened two in-store Energy Saving Hubs in Manchester to provide support for customers looking to make their homes more energy efficient. The DIY retailer has partnered with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to launch the hubs inside its Trafford Park and Cheetham Hill stores. Shoppers will be able to walk-in or pre-book appointments to use the free service where a specially trained B&Q employee will be able to take a home energy assessment to provide advice and tips on how to make their house more efficient. The advisers are also able to help with grant applicati ..read more

Carpetright has been unable to trade online or in-store for almost a week following a cyber attack. Hackers targeted the flooring specialist’s head office in Purfleet, in Essex, last week by sending malware to gain unauthorised access. Staff told The Times that customers had been unable to place orders on its website or at any of its 400 shops since last Thursday when systems were taken down. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free  Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning  One employee told the publication the retailer’s bosses were hoping to resum ..read more

Wilko is relaunching its free click-and-collect service, which will be available from 217 locations nationwide. Customers will be able to choose from more than 30,000 products and pick-up their orders from the retailer’s growing number of reopened stores and via 200 collection points from owner The Range’s stores. Shoppers can collect orders from two hours after ordering, within store opening times. The news comes after the hardware shop opened new stores in Exeter, Luton, Plymouth, St Albans and Rotherham with more planned throughout the rest of 2024. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free &nbs ..read more