its always annoyed me, when i was last in i asked one of the checkout boys and he said "oooh what a good question, i have no idea!" which wasnt much help.
does anyone know?
2006-11-17 01:26:55 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Block and Quayle
1960s
In the 1960s DIY was a hobby of the few. Professional building supplies were mainly found at builder's merchants and the service in these large stores could be intimidating to the average DIY’er. Block and Quayle wanted to bring value, longer opening hours and a broader product range to everyone, so they opened the first B&Q store in Portswood Road, Southampton, Hampshire. Although initially called Block and Quayle, the name was soon shortened to B&Q.
1970s
B&Q's list of stores continued to expand throughout the 1970s, and B&Q introduced products from power tools through to sheet boarding and Formica to the British public. Richard Block left the company in 1976, but David Quayle stayed on to take the company into the next decade. By 1979 there were 26 B&Q stores.
1980s
B&Q grew rapidly during the early 1980s, buying the Scottish DIY chain Dodge City and eventually becoming part of the Kingfisher Group. David Quayle left the company in 1982, and by the end of the decade B&Q had expanded to 280 stores and was offering customers larger stores and an even greater product range, sourced from around the world.
1990s
The 1990s were an exciting time for B&Q. In 1995, the first larger format B&Q Warehouse store opened and B&Q began opening for business on Sundays. In January 1996 B&Q's first store outside the UK was opened in Taiwan.
In 1998 B&Q merged with France's leading DIY retailer, Castorama, to become the largest DIY retailer in Europe. International expansion continued in June 1999 with the opening of a Shanghai store through parent company Kingfisher - B&Q's first in mainland China.
Into the 21st Century
2000
In the year 2000 B&Q opened the 50th B&Q Warehouse in York and baked a big cake to celebrate the opening of its 300th store in Yeading, near Hayes, Middlesex.
2001
B&Q launched its transactional website providing 24 hour, 7 days a week access to B&Q products, expert advice, inspirational room ideas and 'how to' guides, plus general information on our stores, our community activities and links to other useful sites.
2002
B&Q opened its first store in the Republic of Ireland at Liffey Valley, Dublin.
2003
On 27 June, Reg Hill, B&Q's oldest employee, celebrated his 90th birthday. On 14 August, sailing legend Ellen MacArthur opened the 100th B&Q Warehouse in Northern Ireland.
2004
On 1 July, B&Q opened its largest UK store at Trafford Park. At 168,450 square feet, it is three times the size of the pitch at Old Trafford and the biggest B&Q store in Europe. Sydney Prior, B&Q's second oldest employee, celebrated his 90th birthday. B&Q announced its partnership with the British Olympic Association
2006-11-17 01:34:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
&Q was founded in March 1969 in Southampton by Richard Block and David Quayle. The store was originally called Block & Quayle, but this was soon shortened to B&Q. This first store soon spawned others across the UK; by 1979 there were 26. By this time, the first of the co-founders had left the business: Block left in 1976 and Quayle in 1982.
2006-11-17 01:41:13 · answer #2 · answered by james_sex_coach 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The store was originally called Block & Quayle, but this was soon shortened to B&Q. This first store soon spawned others across the UK; by 1979 there were 26. By this time, the first of the co-founders had left the business: Block left in 1976 and Quayle in 1982.
2006-11-17 01:36:36 · answer #3 · answered by Lovely B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a great question.....hadn't thought of it.
Went to their web site and found this in their history so I guess it's the answer
1969 B&Q was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle and the first store opened in Portswood, Southampton
2006-11-17 01:35:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
B&Q was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle.
Have a look here...http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/aboutbandq/2004/company_information/history_brief.jsp&menu=aboutbandq
2006-11-17 01:34:52 · answer #5 · answered by Mr Crusty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Block & Quayle -- the founders were Richard Block and David Quayle
2006-11-17 01:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Block and Quayle
2006-11-17 01:35:26 · answer #7 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is the initials of the christian names of the two founders of the shop. one among them bought his stake fairly early and is now skint. the different equipped up the business enterprise and is a wealthy person
2016-12-10 10:45:22 · answer #8 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Budget and Quality
2006-11-17 01:32:53 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the initials of the 2 guys who own it
2006-11-17 01:32:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋