DIYWEEK.net

The DIY retail giant has confirmed it will be opening a new store in Arbroath, as 31 new B&Q staff members in Louth prepare to open for trading from next week.
B&Q told DIY Week: "We will be opening a new store in Arbroath, subject to concluding a legal agreement with the site's landlord, which we hope will take place by next week."

The store is rumoured to be taking over the former Focus DIY site in Westway retail park, although this has not yet been confirmed by B&Q. The company is actively recruiting for sales positions at the new store via the Jobseekers Direct website.

B&Q's parent company Kingfisher bought 30 former Focus DIY stores last summer after Focus went into administration. On the list was the Belvoir Road site in Louth, where nine former Focus employees will be donning the B&Q aprons from next week.

They'll be joined by their 22 new colleagues and Louth's town Mayor next Friday for the store's official grand opening. In the last few weeks the store has received nearly 15,000 products, staff have built 13 display kitchens and installed 16 showroom bathrooms suites.

Staff training has also been made a big priority. Store manager Mike Lamb said: "The team, existing and new are really excited about the store opening and serving the local community. We've had a few weeks to get to know each other and we're really looking forward to meeting all our new customers.

"The new team spans several generations, from Becca Batten our youngest employee aged 16 to our oldest, Steve Atkin aged 62. They may be different in age but they've got one thing in common, they're passionate about DIY and making it easier for all our customers."

The official store opening is scheduled for Friday, February 3, and will involve a host of in-store activities and competitions.