B&Q feels the pressure as shoppers put off the big buys

The retailer's decision to run fewer promotions contributed to the downturn as B&Q's like-for-like sales fell 4.3 per cent in the 10 weeks to July 10, compared with a drop of 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of its financial year.

A stronger performance in France, where the company operates Castorama and Brico Depot, reduced the drop in group same-store sales to 0.8 per cent in the quarter.

Chief executive Ian Cheshire said: "This is a solid performance in an uncertain environment for our customers right across Europe."

Sales of seasonal categories were flat and demand for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and larger building categories fell as a result of fewer promotions. At the other end of the scale, B&Q sold 5,000 World Cup garden gnomes and nearly 2,000 football bean bags.