A 'fashion-forward' feel, inspirational, affordable and helpful shopping experience was how B&Q described its re-vamped store which opened in Banbury today.
It's the first of three new-look B&Qs which are to trial across the UK in coming weeks, with the new design aimed to reflect changes in consumer behaviour and a shift towards the female consumer looking for 'fast fashion for the home.'

Celebrity designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen officially opened the store alongside local MP Tony Baldry. Mr Llewelyn-Bowen, who has his own wallpaper range at B&Q, was invited to tour the shop and pick out his favourite new decor products.

The store took six weeks to transform and now features more than 1,000 new products in decor, home furnishings and lighting. Several Help & Advice kiosks have been placed throughout the store, and large screens are also featured for consumers to access information from B&Q.

The store staff, to which 10 new recruits have been added, is led by store manager David Cook. He said: "It taken just six weeks to transform our store but it's been over a year in planning to bring the people of Banbury their new-look store. Our team is geared up and ready to inspire our customers to improve their homes and to make the shopping experience easier, simpler and more cost effective. Our customers will be the judge and we look forward to hearing what they think."

The store will also host new Kids Can Do It workshops at the weekend, costing £5 and run by B&Q DIY experts.

Next week a second 'fashion-forward' store will open in Poole following seven weeks of building work. A third is under construction in Bognor Regis.