B&Q operator Kingfisher is to launch a house improvement business enterprise in the United kingdom to enable consumers resolve Do-it-yourself disasters or carry out far more complicated work after a growth in product sales this year.
The company has bought NeedHelp, an on the web platform connecting tradespeople with homes for jobs this sort of as kitchen installation, painting, flooring or bathroom renovation, for €10m (£8.9m).
The retailer already has a connection with the firm in France by way of its Castorama and Brico Depot retailers, but it is the to start with time the services will be offered to consumers in the United kingdom.
There currently are a handful of very similar rival applications this sort of as TaskRabbit.
Kingfisher claimed the acquisition was “an vital stage ahead” as it tries to be far more agile and centered on purchaser expertise. It has been pushing forward with a new turnaround program under chief executive Thierry Garnier.
He claimed: “To provide consumers successfully currently, we require to be far more digital and services orientated, while leveraging our powerful keep belongings.
“Online expert services marketplaces are crucial to the foreseeable future of house improvement retail and NeedHelp is an proven and rapid-growing player in this arena.
