B&Q China President David Wei said yesterday that the firm, a subsidiary of Kingfisher, Europe's largest home improvement chain, is broadening its product range to tackle intensifying competition.

The chain, which offers DIY supplies and goods for the home and garden, has signed an agreement with Haier Group to sell Haier's kitchen appliances in its stores, Wei told China Daily yesterday.

The move is part and parcel of B&Q's aggressive expansion in China.

"The partnership with Haier is a milestone for B&Q in its efforts to broaden its product range," said Wei. "We will continue working with Haier and other potential domestic appliance suppliers to provide more of our customers with more products."

He added that the domestic electrical appliances would help boost B&Q's sales.

"Sales of electric kitchen appliances in some B&Q stores have increased by 400 per cent since early this year, which led us to decide to introduce the new products to all of B&Q China's stores," Wei said.

Market analysts forecast that B&Q will introduce more white goods to its stores in the future to boost its sales, adding that B&Q China would set a new business model for other furniture retailers.

"B&Q China will not be converted into an electrical retailer such as Gome or Suning, but it is no longer just a DIY supplier," said Xu Tianhua, an analyst with Shanghai-based Dazheng Consulting Co Ltd.

"When customers come to B&Q to buy furniture and accessories, it is now possible for them also to buy air conditioners or microwave ovens," he said.

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