Kingfisher-owned B&Q has opened a brand-new, purpose-built store in Galashiels, Tweedbank, which it said showcases the company’s commitment to energy efficiency across its estate.
The new 20,000 sq ft store offers consumers more choice and convenience compared to the store that previously existed in the area, providing more than 30,000 products including a kitchen and bathroom showroom, tools and hardware, paint, décor and a garden centre.
From a sustainability perspective, B&Q said the shop has been designed and built to help support its commitment to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment.
In particular, it is electrically heated using energy generated by solar panels, which is stored in batteries on the site. B&Q noted this maximises efficiency and helps to reduce its reliance on the electric grid.
The retailer added the store is insulated using “highly sustainable products made from rock and mineral fibre”, while the site also harvests rainwater, which is used to water plants for sale in the garden centre, and flush the loos.
John Eason, B&Q regional director for north, Republic of Ireland, and the islands who attended the opening of the new store, said: “B&Q has proudly been part of the Galashiels community for over 30 years so we are thrilled to be able to continue our legacy with the opening of our new and modern store.”
Other services at the shop include paint mixing, a timber cutting service and a TradePoint area for trade customers including dedicated trade parking.
To celebrate the official opening, Kevin Cook, who opened the former B&Q Galashiels store 35 years ago, and Carol Robson who has worked at B&Q Galashiels for the last 34 years, were in attendance.
“We are focused on giving customers an easy and convenient retail experience and the new Galashiels, Tweedbank store has been designed with exactly that in mind,” Eason commented.
Earlier this week, B&Q’s logistics boss Amélie Gallichan-Todd said the retailer had transitioned from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power its vehicles, meaning the entire retail fleet is now powered by alternative fuels as part of the company’s decarbonisation journey.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
