B&Q

Overview

RMS partnered with B&Q to deliver a nationwide transformation of their tiling departments.

The project involved a complete reconfiguration of the tiling category, replacing old displays with new tile showcases that allowed customers to better visualise products and engage with the range. 

RMS teams delivered the full in store transformation programme across 151 B&Q stores, managing every stage from strip out through to final merchandising and display installation.

Delivered in multiple phases, the rollout required careful planning, heavy-duty merchandising expertise and highly skilled installation teams to ensure consistency across every store.

The Challenge

B&Q wanted to completely refresh and modernise its tiling departments across the UK and Ireland estate. Existing displays had become outdated, with many products represented only through printed graphics rather than real product samples.

The transformation required RMS teams to:

• Remove all existing displays and fixtures
• Reconfigure department layouts and merchandising flow
• Install new shelving, racking and display structures
• Merchandise and restock all tile products
• Create bespoke tile sample displays using real tiles and trim
• Install new POS, shelf edge strips and high level signage
• Deliver the rollout consistently across 151 stores within tight programme windows

The physical demands of the project were significant, with teams manually handling approximately six to seven tonnes of tiles per week during the rollout.

Our Solution

RMS delivered the project through a phased nationwide rollout, beginning with an initial lab build at B&Q’s head office environment back in April 2024. This enabled both teams to refine layouts, displays and installation methods ahead of the full estate rollout.

Following extensive planning and project preparation, RMS mobilised nationwide merchandising and installation teams to execute the programme across large, medium and smaller format stores.

Key project activities included:

• Full removal of legacy tiling displays and fixtures
• Department re-alignment and layout reconfiguration
• Installation of heavy-duty racking and shelving systems
• Re-merchandising of the complete tile range
• Installation of new shelf edge strips and POS materials
• Installation of high level department banners and signage
• Creation of bespoke tile sample displays using real tiles and trim
• Precision cutting of tiles and finishing materials on-site
• Final detailing and presentation improvements

Unlike previous display formats, the new solution allowed customers to physically see and feel real tile products, significantly improving the visual impact and practicality of the department.

Overcoming Challenges

During the rollout, a health and safety issue was identified relating to the angle and positioning of display boards within the racking system. RMS worked collaboratively with B&Q to quickly develop and implement a practical solution that could be rolled out consistently across the estate.

The revised solution ensured displays remained secure while maintaining the intended customer experience and visual presentation.

The project also presented major operational challenges due to the weight and volume of products being handled. RMS teams manually moved and re-merchandised several tonnes of tiles each week while maintaining programme timelines and high presentation standards.

Results

• 151 B&Q stores transformed nationwide
• Approximately 25,000 project hours delivered
• Complete modernisation of B&Q tiling departments
• Enhanced customer interaction through real tile sample displays
• Improved department presentation and navigation
• Successful delivery across multiple rollout phases
• Consistent execution across the entire store estate

The transformation created a significantly more engaging and premium customer experience while improving the overall visual impact of B&Q’s tiling offer.