Kingfisher does some catching up

According to the first figures issued for the second quarter, Kingfisher achieved sales growth of 8.7 per cent, or 1 per cent like-for-like, following the first quarter's 2 per cent sales decline in like-for-like terms. The weakness of the UK market is still continuing to cause problems for the group. Here the B&Q stores recorded a like-for-like sales decline of 2.4 per cent. Business in France saw more solid development, with sales at Brico Dépôt rising by 13.0 per cent (2.5 per cent like-for-like) and Castorama still managing an increase of 2.8 per cent (0.5 per cent like-for-like). In the rest of Europe (Poland, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Russia) Kingfisher achieved sales growth of 26.6 per cent, or 8.4 per cent like-for-like. In particular, Castorama held its ground well in a difficult market in Poland and Italy, according to the company. The second Russian market was inaugurated at St. Petersburg in July, and the first Brico Dépôt opened in Poland. Kingfisher announced a sales increase of 76.2 per cent for Asia (China and Korea), or 9.0 per cent in like-for-like terms.