Kingfisher has released its first quarter results, with sales across the board up 3.6% like-for-like, and up 6.2% LfL in the UK.
Total sales were up 1.3% in the UK, and up 5.1% across the total group. Screwfix primarily drove the UK sales increase, reporting an impressive 23.5% sales increase, up 16.2% LfL. This, said the group, was driven by the retailer's "leading omnichannel capability, new and extended ranges and 10 new outlets."

B&Q, meanwhile, saw sales drop -4.3% due to store closures, with like-for-likes up 3.6% including a 1.9% benefit from sales transference associated with store closures.

LfL of seasonal sales at B&Q were down -14.3%, and LfL of non-seasonal including showrooms were up 7.3%.

Kingfisher chief executive officer Veronique Laury said: "We have made a solid start to the year, trading in line with expectations.

"In addition, I am pleased with the early progress we are making on our operational milestones for this year, the first year of our ambitious five year plan. We continue to feel confident in our ability to deliver our plan, based on putting customer needs first, supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of our colleagues."