France drags on Kingfisher sales growth

Kingfisher, Europe's largest home improvement retailer, said sales growth slowed in its third quarter, with a soft French market offsetting a robust performance in Britain and Poland where trading conditions are more favourable.

Shares in the firm, which trades as Castorama and Brico Depot in markets including France and B&Q and Screwfix in Britain, fell up to 3 per cent on Tuesday after it reported underlying sales in France fell 3.6 per cent in the three months to October 31st.

Kingfisher blamed France‘s weak economy and a reduction in promotional activity at Castorama for the outcome.

The group‘s performance in France contrasted with the outcome in Britain and Ireland, where like-for-like sales increased 5.8 per cent, driven by a 12.7 per cent rise at Screwfix that reflected well received new and extended ranges.

B&Q‘s like-for-like sales were up 3.5 per cent –- a sixth straight quarter of growth.

Sales in Poland rose 6.7 per cent, benefiting from supportive market conditions, including a rise in state benefits.

Kingfisher has not seen any clear impact on UK demand since Britain voted to leave the European Union in June. – Reuters