Kingfisher-owned chain opens new trade counter alongside its trial DIY format DIY Express at Haskins retail complex.
The new Screwfix occupies the smaller footprint the chain is currently rolling out to increase its penetration in smaller towns that are unable to support a full-size trade counter. The store, which opened yesterday, will offer tradesmen and serious DIYers access to 18,000 SKUs, including tools, accessories and hardware, and boasts a click and collect service.

The smaller format Screwfix has been rolled out in market towns across the UK over the past 18 months in locations such as Goole, St Austell and Barrow-In-Furness.

The move to Shepton Mallet follows hot on the heels of the opening of Kingfisher's first DIY Express store at the same retail centre. While the new format, referred to as "part of the Screwfix family", is still in its trial stages, Kingfisher said it is pleased with its progress so far. A second DIY Express outlet, which opened in Hayes soon after, has since closed temporarily for "store improvements".

Commenting on the opening of the new format, the firm said: ""We are testing the DIY Express format because we feel there is a gap in the market for a DIY convenience offer - one that complements the trade/serious DIY offer of our Screwfix stores, as well as successfully sitting alongside the independent DIY retailer."

It therefore begs the question, is the plan that all DIY Express stores will be accompanied by a smaller format Screwfix, if the trial proves successful?

Owner of the Haskins retail complex Kevin Haskins told the local press: "It is great for the store to have both DIY Express and Screwfix here. It was definitely DIY Express here in the beginning - but now they have decided they need a Screwfix too. So we have altered the store again to accommodate them. It is good news for the town and great for us to have another great name under our roof in Shepton Mallet."

The new Screwfix outlet has created eight new jobs on top of the 20 created by the opening of the DIY Express store in March this year.

Screwfix store manager John Stinchcombe, said: “This is great news for the town, creating more new jobs for the local area. Tradesmen will have much greater access to all the trade essentials they need, which aside from being welcomed by homeowners who rely on Shepton Mallet’s professionals, means they won’t have to travel far to reach their nearest Screwfix store."