B&Q (Blocks and Quayla) Limited is a retail chain store home improvement British multinational company. David Quayle founded the home improvement chain store brand in 1969. Today, we’ll discuss the SWOT analysis of B&Q; it outlines strengths and weaknesses; opportunities, and threats that the company has to face; as a business strategy analysis example company.
Products and services portfolio of B&Q
- Roof lanterns
- Windows sills
- Internal bi-fold doors
- Door Knobs and handles
- Insulation material and supplies
- Plant and gardening items
- Home improvement tools
Parent Company of B&Q
- Kingfisher PLC
Statistical facts and figures of B&Q
- Annual revenue – 3.8 billion British Pounds (2023)
- Net income – 603 million British Pounds (2023)
- Employees – 27000 (2023)
- Network – 400 shops
Competitors of B&Q
- Williams-Sonoma
- Kent Building Suppliers
- The Home Depot
- Kingfisher
- John Lewis’ Home
- Travis Perkins
- Screwfix
- Wickes
- Homebase
The SWOT analysis of B&Q would analyze the internal strengths and weaknesses of the company; and external opportunities and threats that the brand has to face. Here’s B&Q SWOT analysis as a business strategy analysis example company as follows;
Strengths of B&Q
Some of the main internal strengths in the B&Q SWOT analysis example company as business strategy analysis are as follows;
Large Network
According to an estimate, B&Q has a large network comprising over 400 retail chain home improvement stores in various countries worldwide. Out of which, 60% are outside of the UK’s market and in the international market. The large network of chain stores and shops strengthens the company’s market and brand value.
Pioneer in UK
B&Q has the unique competitive edge of being the first UK retail chain home improvement brand. It allows the company to earn the trust and confidence of its customers with its unique home improvement and furnishing products and services.
Awards and Recognition
B&Q has won various awards and recognition over the years with its unique home improvement product offers; and quality service to the customer market. For instance, the company has received the chain of custody certification award from the following organizations;
- PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme)
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Brand Reputation
B&Q has earned a strong brand reputation and brand awareness in the UK market for providing innovative and high-quality home improvement products and goods. In fact, the home improvement company is the largest chain brand in Europe in the home furnishing market.
Product Portfolio
B&Q has developed a very large home improvement products and goods portfolio. It comprises a wide range of home furnishing items like lanterns, window sills, door handles, bi-folded doors, plants, and gardening items. The diverse and large portfolio helps the company to target a wide range of customers.
Weaknesses of B&Q
Some of the main internal weaknesses in the B&Q SWOT analysis example company as business strategy analysis are as follows;
Incident
A customer passed away in a forklift accident in one of B&Q’s chain stores in 2001. The court found the company guilty of the accident and fined the brand for 550,000 British Pounds. Such types of incidents have a very bad and negative on the company’s brand reputation.
Over-Dependence on UK Market
There is no doubt that B&Q is the leading home improvement chain store brand in the UK and Europe. However, the company is heavily relying on the UK market as its main source of revenue, sales, and profitability. However, over-reliance on one market is not a good marketing strategy.
Opportunities for B&Q
Some of the main available opportunities in the B&Q SWOT analysis example company as business strategy analysis are as follows;
Market Expansion
B&Q should expand its home improvement product stores in the international market by opening up new chain stores. It would help the company to strengthen its market and brand positioning, and ultimately higher sales, revenue, and profitability.
Product Expansion
Along with market expansion, B&Q should launch new home improvement and furnishing products for the customers. It allows the DIY brand to keep up with the growing market trends, attract new and young customers; build a modern brand image, and retain existing customers.
Differentiation
Innovation and differentiation are the keys in every business area and industry, the home improvement industry is no exception. B&Q should differentiate its home improvement products from the competitors in design, style, uniqueness, and quality. It allows the company to further strengthen its customer market position.
Strategic Alliance
Acquisition, joint venture, and strategic alliance are the main market expansion strategies. B&Q should partner up and collaborate with other home improvement brands in the new markets; it allows the company to cover more ground, and open up new retail chain stores.
Threats to B&Q
Some of the main potential threats in the B&Q SWOT analysis example company as business strategy analysis are as follows;
Competition
The home furnishing and improvement business market has become highly competitive. B&Q is facing tough competition from competitors like Home Depot, Kent Building Suppliers, and Williams-Sonoma. Their market presence has made it difficult for the company to maintain its market share in the presence of tough competition.
Legal Issues
Governments and countries have developed very strict regulations for individual safety. B&Q should make sure that its home furnishing and improvement products are safe to use for a wide range of customers. Otherwise, it brings a very high lawsuit against the company.
Conclusion: B&Q SWOT Analysis Example Company |SWOT Analysis of B&Q |Business Strategy Analysis
After an in-depth study of the swot analysis of B&Q; we have realized that B&Q (Blocks & Quayla) is the UK’s leading home improvement brand. If you are learning about B&Q SWOT analysis example company; then you should keep in mind the abovementioned internal strengths and weaknesses; external opportunities and threats as brand strategy analysis.
Ahsan Ali Shaw is an accomplished Business Writer, Analyst, and Public Speaker. Other than that, he’s a fun loving person.
