Getting closer to omnichannel retail customers: New B&Q Local Brighton store opens its doors to public

B&Q has opened its first Local store outside of London, in Brighton, making this the 11th such physical location in its portfolio.

B&Q Local Brighton is a new smaller high street format with the aim of providing customers with speed, convenience, and access to the retailer’s wider offer of products and services but closer to home.

To celebrate the opening, store manager Connor Sime was joined by local choir Brighton Gay Men’s Choir, local artist Dave Pop Art who designed a bright and colourful store window mural and Brighton and Hove ward councillor Andrei Czolak.

The new 4,000 sq. ft store will offer 3,500 products, available either in store for immediate pick-up or next day Click and Collect, as well as access to over 30,000 additional home improvement products for home delivery.  

Customers can access the full range through home delivery and Click and Collect.

The Local concept is a different offering to the larger stores traditionally associated with B&Q and has clear ‘Local’ branding to differentiate.

In a LInkedIn post, the retailer says: “The smaller format gives us the opportunity to get closer to our customers and adapt to changing consumer demand for speed and convenience.”

“As well as products, customers can access services such as paint mixing, kitchen and bathroom design, Click & Collect, in-store ordering, key cutting and WEE recycling closer to home.”

The new store is located at 143 North Street, BN1 1RE, Connor. Plans are afoot for further launches.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores are a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.