A novel store share is planned for the B&Q outlet in Wigan, with the DIY retailer agreeing to sign over almost half of its 100,000 sq ft trading space to a Morrisons food hall.
A planning application for the new joint store, which the retailers are calling "a new shopping concept" is expected to be submitted to Wigan council over the next few weeks.

It comes just months after the retailer sublet 60,000sq ft of its 120,000sq ft Belvedere store to Asda following an announcement that it was looking to downsize several of its megastores. The B&Q/Asda Belvedere re-launched last October. At the time, chief executive Martyn Phillips said the move was a way of seeing how much income could be generated with less space.

And, it seems, the latest plans for Wigan will be a continuation of this aim, with local reports suggesting that B&Q will not reduce any of its stock, but make more efficient use of the space available.

Speaking to the Wigan Evening Post, B&Q's divisional director for the west Scott Sharp said: "We want to offer our Wigan customers the best that we can in home improvement and the new size store will include new features and services that will not only inspire customers but will also help them to undertake their home improvement projects.

"This deal will enable us to continue to serve our Wigan customers to the highest possible standard and we are committed to working with Morrisons to enhance the whole shopping experience on the site."

The Morrisons store has been tailor designed for Wigan, and will offer a full range of goods and services. In a strange twist of irony, one of its main competitors will be a nearby Asda store.