B&Q has announced the closure of its store in Wigston, Leicestershire, after 26 years of operation, dealing a blow to the town's retail landscape. The home improvement retailer confirmed that the lease at its Bull Head Street location has expired and the landlord has decided not to renew it, forcing the store to shut later this year.
Lease Expiry Triggers Closure
A spokesperson for B&Q stated: “We can confirm that the lease at our Wigston has expired and our landlord does not intend to renew it, which regrettably means the store will close later this year.” The company emphasised that supporting affected staff is a priority, with consultations already underway. “We are currently consulting with affected colleagues and our priority is to support them through this period of change, while continuing to explore alternative premises in the area,” the spokesperson added.
Rumours Confirmed
The announcement follows online speculation about the store's future, as reported by Leicestershire Live. B&Q has not yet set a specific closure date but confirmed the store will close before the end of 2026. The chain operates more than 300 stores across the UK and Ireland and is a subsidiary of Kingfisher PLC. Founded in 1969 by Richard Block and David Quayle, B&Q is the UK's largest home improvement retailer, catering to both tradespeople and general consumers.
Impact on Wigston
The closure represents a significant loss for Wigston, a town south of Leicester, where the store has been a fixture for a quarter of a century. B&Q's decision to explore alternative premises in the area offers a glimmer of hope for local customers, though no concrete plans have been announced. The retailer's priority remains supporting its employees through the transition period.
