California Shutters Partner B&Q Reports Improved Sales

Kingfisher, parent company of The California Shutter Company's trading partner B&Q has announced better than expected sales results for the 10 week period up to 12th July 2008. UK sales have increased 5.1% over the period, which results in year to date figures as increasing by 0.5%. This means that sales over the past 10 week period have been better than those during the first quarter of the year.

Kingfisher Group Chief Executive Ian Cheshire acknowledged that trading conditions in many markets including the UK were tough for the foreseeable future, but felt that B&Q in the UK and Castorama in France would be strongly positioned thanks to recent investments. Cheshire commented today "We have achieved sales growth and taken action to improve gross margins and manage costs in all our major markets. As anticipated the UK market remains extremely tough, but we are trading solidly”

Many expect the Do It Yourself retail market in the UK to grow despite a generally cautious outlook for the UK economy as a whole. Many consumers are realising that that any medium term prospects of moving house are unrealistic and are therefore choosing to remain in their properties and ‘improve rather than move’

B&Q is therefore well placed to benefit from this changed retailing environment and Murray Clark of The California Shutter Company shared Kingfishers’ optimism for continued growth in the DIY market.

“California Shutter Company has an established relationship with B&Q and we are delighted that sales have shown a positive upturn for the Kingfisher group. Our wooden plantation shutters have been available via a select number of B&Q stores and have proved popular with UK customers keen to purchase a quality wooden shutter product at an exceptionally competitive price.

The California Shutters Team offer a level of self install shutters expertise unrivalled in the UK and through out partnership with B&Q, we are delighted that B&Q customers can purchase shutters from us. In tough economic times we find customers do not want to sacrifice quality of their shutters, but want to get the best price possible. Working hand in hand with B&Q, we are able to deliver that.”

For more information about wooden plantation shutters from The California Company and B&Q visit http://www.thecaliforniacompany.co.uk/Shutters/Shutters-in-BQ-Stores~62/ for more information or call 0845 123 5661.