B&Q is set to close a North East store less than 15 months after it first opened.
The DIY retailer will close its “mini” store based in Hartlepool’s Asda from March 11.
The store, on Marina Way, only opened to customers in December 2021 as one of eight new stores across the UK based within Asda supermarkets.
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But it will close its doors for the final time from March 11 after the two retailers pulled out of the partnership.
B&Q has said all affected staff will be offered alternative employment at nearby stores, according to trade publication Retail Week. Fifty-seven staff nationally are said to be affected.
In a statement the DIY chain’s strategy director Chris Bargate said: “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.
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“We value the contribution and the commitment from our colleagues at the concession stores.”
An Asda spokesperson added: “Following a ‘test and learn’ trial between B&Q and Asda, both businesses will continue to build on the learnings but will not be continuing with the concessions in Asda stores.”
Stores in Sheffield Drakehouse, Dagenham, Roehampton, Edmonton, Thurmaston, Great Bridge, and Lancaster are also affected by the closures.
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In December 2021 the retailer said the new “mini” stores were opened as a reflection of customers’ changing shopping habits.
It comes after H&M announced it would be pulling out of Hartlepool by closing its store at the Middleton Grange shopping centre.
The clothing retailer also blamed a “rapid change in customer behaviour” for its decision.
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