B&Q: ASDA Concession - Bluestones One

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18 November 2020

Summary

Bluestones One were extremely proud to be asked to supply the Merchandising team to support the new concept “shop in shop” trial store for B&Q in ASDA Sheffield, Drakehouse. The B&Q trial concessions in ASDA stores will offer a range of paint (including paint mixing) as well as tools, hardware and other DIY essentials. Customers will be able to shop B&Q’s full range at diy.com and order selected items online for collection from the B&Q concessions.

Challenges

This trial store was delivered during the second UK Lockdown due to Covid-19, so social distancing and appropriate precautions had to be taken. Fortunately, B&Q were just as conscientious as Bluestones and ensured this was well managed. Managing stock in and out of a small-format store in a busy supermarket location presented some challenges but, collectively, everyone involved ensured this was a success.

Results

The store was delivered successfully in time for the opening with very positive feedback and, we are looking forward to seeing how this store performs and getting involved in future small-format stores. It was great to be involved in a project that saw two of our key customers working together.

Case study: Bluestones One’s successful store closure for B&Q

Bluestones One successfully tendered for B&Q’s Store Closure Programme and was subsequently awarded 6 stores to close over a 12-month period.

Meet Martin Sweeney, Installations Director

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?I joined the business in February 2020 and was really excited with my role and new opportunity to develop. Unfortunately, I was grounded slightly by the pandemic. This then presented the business and me with lots of obstacles which we had never experienced but with the support from the internal team and from our partner company, Bluestones Investment Group (BIG), we overcame these. Whilst many businesses have failed to survive, Installations continued to develop and grow its customer base. The next few years may present many challenges, but I am excited to drive the business forward in the coming years. What do you enjoy about working in this industry?I believe you must be a self-motivator and be ready to tackle daily challenges. Each day presents itself with new challenges, and whilst this can be difficult, you get a sense of achievement when you deliver for the customer. One thing that really excites me is the opportunity to see lots of the UK whilst on client and site meetings. We have a fantastic internal support team who are young and ambitious, and this allows us to develop.