DIY retailer B&Q tests out new store concept that aims to make it easier to live more sustainably
B&Q has announced a refurbishment of its Cheltenham store with a focus on making it easier for customers to create more sustainable homes.
Key store features include:
‘Sustainable house’ displays and the ‘green star’ initiative brings sustainability expertise directly to customers
Advice and products will be offered on how to encourage nature in your garden, from peat free compost, to water reduction techniques and pesticide free alternatives.
Currently being trailed at Cheltenham, learnings from which initiatives have the greatest impact on customer engagement and behaviour will inform how sustainability is brought to life across B&Q’s wider store network.
Cheltenham was selected for the project because it is already one of the retailer’s more sustainable stores. It is powered by over 200 roof top solar panels, and lit by smart LED lighting with movement sensors that dim when no one's around. As well as being home to existing programmes that B&Q runs to make sustainable choices easier including: PoS promoting Refurb by B&Q - exclusively available at diy.com; tool hire; EV charging points for customers; and Community Re-use Scheme.
Katherine Paterson, Marketing Director at B&Q says: “We have a strong heritage of doing what we can to reduce our impact on the communities we exist in, as well as the wider environment. Our Cheltenham store has been redesigned to provide impactful, clear and informative in-store support to help customers make more informed decisions that could help them to save money, on energy costs for example, as well as to live a more sustainable life in a more sustainable home.”
“Learnings from which initiatives in B&Q Cheltenham have the greatest impact on customer engagement and behaviour, will inform how sustainability is brought to life across our other stores in the future. We want Cheltenham to be a stand-out example of how impactful, clear and informative in-store support can help customers to both save money and lower their sustainable impact.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
