DIY giant quashes rumours that it is planning to trial a number of smaller format stores in the UK.
A B&Q spokesperson has categorically denied that there are any plans to open smaller format stores in the UK. Talking to DIY Week last night, the company said that it was unsure where the rumour had started but that there is no basis to it and that the chain plans to maximise the space it already has.

Recent newspaper reports speculated that the B&Q was to launch a series of smaller stores in the UK in 2011. Reports suggested that the stores would be located on the edge of town centres rather than on the High Street.

A statement issued by the company last week in response did not expressly deny it intended to make the move, saying: "B&Q is always looking at innovative ways to improve our offer to customers, but our priority is to make the space we already have work harder for us."

The retailer has now made its position crystal clear.

However, B&Q has just announced a multi-million pound investment in its garden offer, including plans to revamp 78 of its garden centres by Easter. The initiative will initially focus on some of the chain's larger, warehouse-style stores, highlighting the commitment B&Q has made to maximising the space it already occupies.

B&Q hopes the revamps, which will carry over to the rest of its stores in the future, will up its 12% share of the garden centre market, which is currently worth more than £5bn.