Kingfisher's attack on the China market: a success?

M J Foster

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper is a case study examining the entry to the Chinese market of Kingfisher plc under its B&Q brand, operating in the DIY or home improvement market. The story begins in the mid-1990s and goes through to early summer 2010. On the one hand the entry has been successful: B&Q is now a significant presence in China, holding number one position in their chosen market, which is primarily highly fragmented; there is some concentration in four key cities in the wealthy east coast region; and it has made profits over a fair portion of the last decade. Lessons were learned from initial mistakes and the core sales proposition in China has been crafted to differ from that in the original UK home base. However, for the last three completed financial years, losses have been booked and significant changes have been made or are planned at the time of writing. Some changes were inevitable, but which were they (other than those where the PRC government changed its rules)?
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2011
Externally publishedYes
EventAsia-Pacific Business Research Conference - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 21 Feb 201122 Feb 2011

Conference

ConferenceAsia-Pacific Business Research Conference
Period21/02/1122/02/11

Keywords

  • Business and management studies

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