Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

B&Q Cowley to close in September

Published: 28 August 2012
The DIY giant's only Oxford outlet will be closing in coming weeks as the retailer opts out of its lease renewal.
B&Q Cowley to close in September
The move means 67 workers are now facing employment uncertainty, but according to local press, B&Q has said its "top priority is to safeguard jobs", pointing out that three neighbouring stores are within 30 miles of the site. A consultation is reportedly underway between bosses and employees at the outlet to find alternative job roles.

Speaking at a press briefing in March, B&Q's parent company Kingfisher chief executive Ian Cheshire warned that certain stores had been earmarked for closure.

"Leases are coming up for renewal and we would consider not renewing them," he said.

"We have identified areas we would like to stay and have re-geared and taken on new leases on those for a rent reduction. It is a long-term structural strategy, not a major change in store portfolio in the short-term."

Comments

Published prior to March 2014
By Brian Davies
OK it's not the biggest and shiniest but Abingdon B&Q is a very useful store to have close by and you'll usually get a good price. Perhaps this is the way to go. "Smaller and friendlier"
Published prior to March 2014
By Sheila
coulnt believe it when I turned up at cowley today to find it closed it is the only DIY for miles around what happened?
Published prior to March 2014
By Redundant Employee
I can t believe how shallow people are about the closure of this store. B&Q Oxford was a huge retail impact in the area. As many will say you never know what you ve got until it s gone . If local people supported this stores maybe it wouldn t have closed. There was no support for the staff at the store apart for the Manager and HR who tried their best to get employees transferred into other stores. All I can say if this store closed after 25yrs no one is safe enjoy your jobs while you can, coz unless it s a food retailer you are working for you are not safe
Published prior to March 2014
By Mark
...to turn up at cowley to see the doors closed, thinking about it, it never seemed busy in there so maybe it's not such a surprise. I agree with the other two posts, it is however just going to make me go to Wickes, Screwfix or Homebase. I certainly won't be making trips to Abingdon or Witney stores. I suppose at least you can get a car parking space there now.
Published prior to March 2014
By JT
I agree with Andy. The Abingdon store is terrible. It is small and very run down (despite a 'revamp' a couple of years ago) You can never find everything you need so then have to visit another store. The Cowley one was further away but a one stop shop I was willing to drive to.
Published prior to March 2014
By Andy
This ia AWFUL!
The Cowley B&Q is huge and has the best range of parts, fixings and those special little bits that you need to finish a job. I don't know about the Witney branch, but the Abindgon one is (IMHO) rubbish, catering for the have-a-go DIYers who just pop out for a bag of charcoal briquettes and a pot of emulsion.

(Your email address will not be published)
1 + 5 =  
Already Registered?
Sign In
Not Yet Registered?
Register
Printable View E-mail Bookmark
*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories