Worse news B&Q’s outdoor goods sales slumped 10 per cent in the year to January, as total sales at the DIY chain fell 4.5 per cent to £ 3.8 billion.

Worse news has come from China, where B&Q has incurred losses of £107m over the year. Twenty-two of the company’s 63 stores will close, with a further 17 to be downsized.

This contrasts with the wider fortunes of parent company Kingfisher plc, which saw sales up 11 per cent and profits up 3 per cent over the period.

B&Q will introduce self-service checkouts over the coming year, as well as continuing its store revamp programme.