B&Q owner buys DIY app NeedHelp

B&Q owner Kingfisher is to start a dwelling advancement small business in the Uk to help shoppers solve Do-it-yourself disasters or have out much more sophisticated work after a increase in income this calendar year.

The firm has purchased NeedHelp, an on the net platform connecting tradespeople with households for duties these types of as kitchen set up, painting, flooring or bathroom renovation, for €10m (£8.9m).

The retailer already has a romantic relationship with the firm in France via its Castorama and Brico Depot outlets, but it is the first time the services will be offered to shoppers in the Uk.

There by now are a handful of comparable rival apps these types of as TaskRabbit.

Kingfisher stated the acquisition was “an vital stage ahead” as it tries to be much more agile and focused on purchaser encounter. It has been pushing ahead with a new turnaround plan beneath main executive Thierry Garnier. 

He stated: “To provide shoppers properly now, we require to be much more digital and services orientated, although leveraging our powerful store property.

“Online services marketplaces are vital to the long term of dwelling advancement retail and NeedHelp is an set up and speedy-expanding player in this arena.