B&Q China to sell more electrical appliances
By Li Jian (aaa)
Updated: 2006-09-19 13:47
B&Q China President David Wei said yesterday that the firm, a subsidiary
of Kingfisher, Europe's largest home improvement chain, is broadening its
product range to tackle intensifying competition.
The chain, which offers DIY supplies and goods for the home and garden, has
signed an agreement with Haier Group to sell Haier's kitchen appliances in its
stores, Wei told China Daily yesterday.
The move is part and parcel of B&Q's aggressive expansion in China.
"The partnership with Haier is a milestone for B&Q in its efforts to
broaden its product range," said Wei. "We will continue working with Haier and
other potential domestic appliance suppliers to provide more of our customers
with more products."
He added that the domestic electrical appliances would help boost B&Q's
sales.
"Sales of electric kitchen appliances in some B&Q stores have increased
by 400 per cent since early this year, which led us to decide to introduce the
new products to all of B&Q China's stores," Wei said.
Market analysts forecast that B&Q will introduce more white goods to its
stores in the future to boost its sales, adding that B&Q China would set a
new business model for other furniture retailers.
"B&Q China will not be converted into an electrical retailer such as Gome
or Suning, but it is no longer just a DIY supplier," said Xu Tianhua, an analyst
with Shanghai-based Dazheng Consulting Co Ltd.
"When customers come to B&Q to buy furniture and accessories, it is now
possible for them also to buy air conditioners or microwave ovens," he said.
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