The owner of DIY chain B&Q has closed all 221 stores it owns in France as the country goes on lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak. Kingfisher, which also owns Castorama and Brico Depot, added it had "taken measures to protect its colleagues and customers, to limit the impact on profitability and to preserve financial flexibility". All staff in France will continue to get paid but there were no immediate further details on what action has been taken to reduce costs. Bosses said they have formed a central committee to monitor the outbreak along with committees in its individual retail businesses. "Our teams are also evaluating the best ways to satisfy emergency needs in our markets, particularly for electricity, heating and plumbing."

Source: Irish Independent March 16, 2020 09:45 UTC