B&Q to recruit 800 new in-store designers

DIY retailer B&Q has started the recruitment process that will add 800 kitchen and bathroom designers to its showrooms around the country. This comes a month after announcing the axeing of its kitchen and bathroom installation service.

Underlining the firm’s commitment to its kitchen and bathroom category, B&Q said the additional colleagues will mean that every showroom will have a dedicated and trained member of staff to offer customers better quality support.

It said this would make the process simpler and the experience faster, with the whole process from booking a design appointment to home delivery being done in less time.

In June, B&Q said it was closing its installation service to “simplify” the way it sells kitchens and bathrooms.

The change in strategy to focus on selection, design and ordering of new kitchens and bathrooms reflects changing customer preference, the retailer chain said.

“As one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bathroom retailers, B&Q is committed to the growth and development of the category,” Paul White, B&Q trading director, said.

“We are confident these improvements lay firm foundations to drive our showrooms business forward, and create a solid platform from which to continue evolving our market leading kitchen proposition,” he added.

The new staff will be trained on B&Q Spaces, the firm’s interactive design tool.

Meanwhile, B&Q said it is continuing to support its ex-installers.

B&Q and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) announced this week they have worked together to arrange free membership of BiKBBI for self-employed installers.

This enables them to be listed on the BiKBBI’s “find-a-member” search facility, a free service offered to customers who are searching for a reputable local installer. This in turn is being signposted to B&Q customers in store who request advice on installation.

Free membership of BiKBBI for self-employed installers will continue for 12 months and enable them to connect directly with customers looking for an installer for their new kitchen or bathroom.

B&Q offers customers a choice of 25 different kitchens.

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