SALES have slumped at DIY chain store B&Q amid “challenging”

trading conditions over the past quarter.

B&Q owner Kingfisher blamed bad weather and clearance sales at collapsed rival Focus DIY.

It reported B&Q sales were down 6.7 per cent in the 11 weeks to July 16, with sales of outdoor seasonal products plummeting more than 20 per cent.

Better spring weather earlier had brought forward sales of barbecues, plants and gardening items.

The trading update comes as 1,400 staff who work at B&Q headquarters in Chandler’s Ford are preparing to next week begin moving to new purpose built offices next door.

However there was better news for its trade tools seller Screwfix, where sales grew by 10.5 per cent boosted by plumbing and electrical trade initiatives and the roll out of new outlets.

Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher's chief executive, said: “The UK market remains challenging compounded by disruption in the second quarter from heavy stock clearance activity by a major competitor closing down.”

He added: “These are testing times for retailers, particularly in the UK, but also an opportunity for strong businesses such as ours to strengthen their position. We expect to emerge from this year in excellent shape and well prepared to start delivering the next phase of our growth plans.”

Mr Cheshire said the tough market had thrown up opportunities. It acquired 31 of the former Focus stores and once these have been refitted and bedded down they could add £100 million or more to its revenues.

B&Q, which has a turnover of around £4billion, is set to open 20 new UK and Ireland stores as part of its long term expansion plans.

It has 492 stores in the UK and Ireland – 330 B&Q and 162 under its Screwfix brand, employing 26,675 staff.