B&Q has decided to delay multimillion-pound makeovers at some of its superstores until 2008. The Observer. Financial Times

As DIY retailers face the prospect of another downturn, parent group Kingfisher is putting on ice a £460m makeover that would give B&Q a softer image that will appeal to women and tap into growing demand for 'do-it-for-me' as opposed to 'do-it-yourself' products. B&Q chief executive Ian Cheshire has developed a format for 115 of its stores, which features kitchen and bathroom showrooms. The refits cost a £4m per store but are expected to deliver sales increases of 25% when finished.

The 320-store retail giant will this week ditch its ‘You Can Do It’ strapline and has also signed tie-up deals with high-end brands such as Monsoon, the fashion and homewares group, and Fired Earth, the paint label.