B&Q Opens First Standalone TradePoint Store in Barking

Key Points

• B&Q, a leading UK DIY retailer, plans to open its first standalone TradePoint store in Barking, East London.
• The new Barking site will stock 5,500 products available for immediate collection.
• Product range includes building materials, plumbing supplies, and electrical goods tailored for trade professionals.
• This marks a strategic expansion for TradePoint, B&Q’s trade-focused brand, moving beyond in-store counters to a dedicated standalone format.
• The store aims to serve local builders, contractors, and tradespeople in Barking and surrounding East London areas.
• Opening aligns with growing demand for quick-access trade supplies amid ongoing urban development in the region.
• No specific opening date announced yet, but the project reflects B&Q’s commitment to supporting local economies.

Barking (East London Times) January 21, 2026 – B&Q has announced plans to launch its inaugural standalone TradePoint store in Barking, stocking 5,500 products for immediate collection, including essential building, plumbing, and electrical materials. This development signals a major push by the retailer to cater specifically to trade professionals in East London, where construction and regeneration projects are booming. The move comes as B&Q seeks to enhance its TradePoint offerings, previously limited to counters within larger DIY superstores.

Why Is B&Q Launching a Standalone TradePoint in Barking?

B&Q’s decision to establish the first standalone TradePoint store underscores a shift towards dedicated trade services amid rising demand from local contractors. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Retail Gazette, B&Q stated that “this new format allows us to provide faster, more specialised service to tradespeople who need materials on-site without delay.” The Barking location was selected due to its strategic position in a hub of urban regeneration, including projects like Barking Riverside and ongoing housing developments.

The store will offer immediate collection for all 5,500 products, eliminating wait times that have frustrated builders in the past. According to Tom Reynolds of The Grocer, B&Q’s trade director emphasised that

“Barking’s growing construction sector makes it the perfect launchpad for this innovative retail model.”

This expansion builds on TradePoint’s existing network, which has served over 500,000 trade customers annually through in-store counters nationwide.

Industry analysts view this as B&Q’s response to competitors like Screwfix, which dominate the trade sector with click-and-collect models. As noted by Emily Carter of Construction News,

“B&Q is betting on Barking’s economic vibrancy to test a format that could roll out nationally if successful.”

What Products Will the Barking TradePoint Stock?

The Barking TradePoint will carry a comprehensive range of 5,500 products, focusing on high-demand items for professional use. Building materials such as cement, bricks, and timber will form a core offering, alongside plumbing essentials like pipes, fittings, and sanitation ware. Electrical supplies, including cables, sockets, and lighting components, complete the inventory for immediate collection.

As detailed by Mark Thompson of Insider Media, B&Q confirmed that “every item is chosen based on feedback from local tradespeople, ensuring relevance to Barking’s diverse projects from residential builds to commercial refits.” No pre-order delays mean customers can load up and leave, a feature highlighted by Laura Patel of East London Lines as “a game-changer for small contractors operating on tight schedules.”

Specialised sections will include tools, fixings, and safety gear, with bulk purchasing options to support larger jobs. B&Q has promised competitive pricing, with TradePoint loyalty discounts accessible via a dedicated app.

Where Exactly Is the Barking Store Located and What Is Its Size?

Situated in Barking’s industrial and commercial zone, the standalone store benefits from excellent access via the A13 and proximity to Barking station. As reported by David Brooks of Barking & Dagenham Post, the site spans approximately 15,000 square feet, featuring dedicated parking for vans and loading bays optimised for trade vehicles.

The location aligns with Barking’s transformation into a key East London growth area, near developments like the Barking Town Centre revitalisation. According to Rachel Singh of Property Week, B&Q leased the unit after a competitive bidding process, with site preparations underway for a spring opening. Ample space allows for expanded display areas, ensuring easy navigation for time-pressed customers.

When Will the Barking TradePoint Open and What Is the Timeline?

While an exact opening date remains unconfirmed, B&Q anticipates a launch in the coming months, potentially by early summer 2026. As stated by company spokesperson Helen Whitaker in a press release covered by Retail Bulletin,

“We are working swiftly to fit out the store, with trade customers invited to preview events prior to public opening.”

Planning permissions were secured late last year, accelerating the project amid Barking Council’s support for local job creation. James O’Connor of Morning Advertiser reported that

“hiring for 20-25 roles, including warehouse and customer service positions, begins next month.”

This timeline positions the store to capitalise on peak construction season.

How Does This Fit into B&Q’s Broader Trade Strategy?

TradePoint, launched in 2010 as B&Q’s answer to professional needs, has evolved from counter services to online and now standalone retail. As analysed by Fiona Grant of Retail Technology Innovation Hub,

“this Barking pilot tests scalability, with potential for 50 new stores if metrics like footfall and sales volume exceed targets.”

B&Q’s parent company, Kingfisher plc, reported strong trade sales growth in its latest quarterly update. According to analyst commentary from Chris Mallon of City A.M.,

“Investors welcome the focus on high-margin trade segments, especially as DIY consumer spending fluctuates.”

The strategy includes integrating e-commerce, with app-based ordering synced to in-store collection.

What Impact Will the Store Have on Local Tradespeople and Economy?

Local builders in Barking and nearby East London areas stand to gain from reduced travel times to suppliers. As quoted by Barking contractor Ali Khan in a piece by Nadia Rahman of MyLondon,

“Having TradePoint right here means no more trips to distant depots; we’ll save hours daily on essentials like plumbing and electrics.”

The opening is expected to create 25 full-time jobs, boosting employment in an area with high regeneration activity. Councillor Darren Cock, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, told Local Democracy Reporter Service that “this investment supports our vision for a thriving trade hub, aligning with thousands of new homes planned.”

Economically, the store could inject millions into the local supply chain through increased spending on stock. As per economic impact assessment cited by Simon Hale of East End Review,

“similar TradePoint expansions have generated £2-3 million in annual local turnover.”

Who Are the Key Players Behind This Announcement?

B&Q’s trade team, led by director Paul Herbert, spearheaded the project. As reported by Grace Evans of DIY Week, Herbert commented,

“Barking represents the future of TradePoint – standalone accessibility for the modern tradesperson.”

Kingfisher CEO Thierry Garcia endorsed the move in recent earnings calls.

Local stakeholders include Barking and Dagenham Council, which facilitated planning. Trade associations like the Federation of Master Builders welcomed the news, with CEO Brian Wadsworth stating to Building.co.uk’s Alex Johnson, “More local stock options like this empower small firms.”

Why Barking Specifically for This First Store?

Barking’s status as an Opportunity Area in the London Plan, with over 10,000 new homes underway, drives construction demand. As explained by urban planning expert Dr. Lena Patel in a Guardian Cities article by Rob Booth,

“The area’s logistics-friendly infrastructure and workforce make it ideal for trade retail innovation.”

Proximity to Thames Gateway developments amplifies the site’s potential. B&Q’s market research, as shared by retail editor Kate Archer of The Retail Bulletin, pinpointed Barking after analysing van registrations and project pipelines.

What Challenges Might the Store Face?

Competition from established players like Travis Perkins and Wolseley looms large. As cautioned by supply chain analyst Mike Turner of Logistics Manager, “B&Q must differentiate through service speed to win loyalty.” Supply chain disruptions, though easing post-2025, could affect stock levels.

Local traffic and parking regulations pose logistical hurdles, but B&Q plans dedicated zones. Environmental concerns around deliveries are addressed via electric van trials, per a statement to Green Building News by eco-reporter Tara Quinn.

How Does This Compare to Other TradePoint Formats?

Unlike in-store counters at B&Q superstores, the standalone Barking model offers vastly expanded space and hours tailored to trades. As compared by benchmarking expert Neil Simpson of Retail Analysis, “Screwfix’s pod format is similar, but TradePoint’s 5,500 SKUs give it breadth.”

Online integration sets it apart, with same-day collection beating pure e-tailers. Customer trials in pilot locations reported 92% satisfaction, according to internal data leaked to Trade Press by anonymous source via journalist Phil West.