British home improvements retailing giant B&Q has joined Hong Kong's Goods of Desire (GOD) in aggressive expansion on the mainland that aims to take the number of its stores in China to 100 within three years.
B&Q has 44 stores on the mainland and is set to open its first store in Hong Kong at Kowloon Bay in 2007.
While its main focus has been Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the group aims to penetrate second-line cities such as Dongguan and Zhongshan, according to Mark Ladham, B&Q China's retail managing director.
The retailer has shifted its mainland focus from building materials to decorative items, such as furniture, curtains and lighting, after government efforts to cool the property market cut into demand.
Its 2,000 square metre Shenzhen store, due to open on Friday, has set aside a section for Hong Kong-based GOD, which specialises in designer home improvement products.
B&Q has renovated about 16,000 homes this year, at an average cost of between 70,000 and 80,000 yuan per renovation. The group aims to be involved in 25,000 to 30,000 home renovations next year.