The DIY chain has said the closures will begin to take place from March 11. Around 57 staff will be affected by the decision and they are to be offered alternative roles in nearby stores, so no jobs will be lost as a result.
The decision to close the 'mini-markets' was made after an "intensive review" of the test format. Going forward, the DIY chains strategy director Chris Bargate said it will now focus on their smaller high street stores, B&Q locals, with a plan to expand further.Chris added: “Our ‘test and learn’ approach is an important part of building our strategy, and our aim to create consistent, small store format blueprints that can be scaled further across the UK.
“We’re continually listening to our customers and colleagues to take learnings to evolve the shopping experience in these smaller stores.An Asda spokesperson said the proposition between the chains had been "well received" by customers and Asda will use the lessons learned to "help inform its wider concessions strategy.
The first compact B&Q stores opened up across four Asda superstores and contained a large number of B&Q's usual products, such as paint, tools, hardware and other DIY essentials. Customers were also able to shop for B&Q’s full range online and order selected items for collection from the B&Q concessions sites.