COMMENT Bigger isn’t always better Editor, Fiona Garcia: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk


“Making the most of what that footprint can offer could deliver significant growth”


As B&Q becomes the latest major retailer to join the small-format brigade, opening its new trial store – which, at 3,000sq ft is positively petite compared with its sister branches – in Holloway Road this week, it highlights the appeal of being a small operator. A smaller footprint opens up so many more potential locations and catchment areas that a large-scale retailer couldn’t dream of taking on, it forces a more streamlined offer, which can make it easier for consumers to shop, and means you have to be more creative and efficient with how you use your space because every inch counts.


The latter point echoes the sentiments of the suppliers in our adhesives & sealants feature, who emphasis how important proper category management is for retailers of all sizes, adding that it can lead to real growth for smaller independents – particularly when teamed with a good level of product and DIY knowledge. I don’t deny that having the support of the powerhouse that is Kingfisher behind you changes the playing field somewhat but, as indies are the original small-format store, making the most of what that footprint can offer could deliver significant growth. Meanwhile, it’s very


interesting to see two of the biggest


multiples in the UK venturing in quite different directions, with B&Q trialling a pocket-sized high-street friendly version of itself, while Bunnings is busy stripping out the softer side and any boutique elements of Homebase stores; raising those ceilings and bringing back a warehouse feel some have likened to B&Q 20 years ago.


Editor: Fiona Garcia


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© 2015 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


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PEOPLE NEWS


Kingfisher chairman Daniel Bernard to step down in June


Kingfisher has announced that its chairman Daniel Bernard will be stepping down from his role as chairman at the group’s AGM in June. Mr Bernard has held the post of chairman for eight years, and has been on the board for 11. He will be succeeded by Andy Cosslett, who will be appointed to the board as a non-executive director and chairman-designate on April 1. He will formally take over as chairman at the AGM. Said Mr Bernard: “We are delighted


to welcome


has been a real privilege to chair this company and I wish Andy, Véronique and all the team the very best for the future.” Chief executive officer


Véronique Laury added: “I would personally like to thank Daniel for his support and wise advice since my appointment as CEO.”


Carol Paris to leave the HTA


Horticultural Trades Association


(HTA) Carol Paris will leave


CEO the


organisation next month after seven years. Over the past seven years with


the HTA, Ms Paris has served as vice president, president and CEO. During her tenure as CEO, the HTA has restructured to improve member services, acquired and moved to a new headquarters and restructured the


investment portfolio to reduce the risk and volatility of


exposure to the stock market. Before taking up the full-


time role of chief executive at the HTA, Ms Paris was operations director at the Garden & Leisure Group, who she was with for 15 years before it was acquired by Wyevale, then trading as The Garden Centre Group. It was announced that she will leave the HTA at the end of April. Ms Paris said of the news: “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve


the HTA. I am confident that as there is now an established senior team in place and a new HQ, it is time for me to move on to new challenges.”


New council announced for GIMA Andy


to Kingfisher. He is a very experienced board director with strong branding and consumer credentials gained at companies such as Unilever, Cadbury Schweppes and InterContinental Hotels. As we are now at the end of the first year of our exciting five year transformation plan, I believe it is the right time for a new Chairman to oversee its full delivery and Andy is uniquely placed to do this.


It 4 DIY WEEK 10 MARCH 2017


The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) annual general meeting took place last week at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire, with more than 80 members in attendance. During the proceedings


Daniel Bernard has been on the Kingfisher board for 11 years, eight of which he spent as chairman


Chris Ramsden of Hozelock was re-elected as GIMA president for another year, as was Richard Pyrah of Kelkay as vice president. Kate Ebbens of Cadix remains in the role of honorary secretary and Nigel Thompson of Nigel Thompson


New faces join the familiar on the GIMA council for 2017/18


Associates (representing Stewarts) retains the role of honorary treasurer. It was agreed at the 2016 the GIMA Council


AGM that


would be reduced from 16 to 12 at the 2017 AGM, enabling a smaller but more accountable council of representatives to move the association forward.


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