Focus on sustainability and convenient retail experience as B&Q opens new Galashiels, Tweedbank store

B&Q has opened a new store in Galashiels, Tweedbank, replacing the former location which closed on 8th February.

The new 20,000 sq. ft store on Gateway Drive offers over 30,000 products including a kitchen and bathroom showroom, tools and hardware, paint and décor and a garden centre. There is a wide range of services including paint mixing, a timber cutting service and a TradePoint area for trade customers including dedicated trade parking.

It has been designed and built to help support B&Q’s commitment to reducing the impact of its operations on the environment. It is electrically heated using energy generated by solar panels, which is stored in batteries on-site; maximising efficiency, and helping to reduce its reliance on the electric grid.

The store is insulated using sustainable products made from rock and mineral fibre, and harvests rainwater, which is used to water plants for sale in the garden centre, and flush toilets.

John Eason, B&Q Regional Director for North, ROI and the Islands, says: “B&Q has proudly been part of the Galashiels community for over 30 years so we are thrilled to be able to continue our legacy with the opening of our new and modern store.

“We are focused on giving customers an easy and convenient retail experience and the new Galashiels, Tweedbank store has been designed with exactly that in mind. The 22,000 square foot store houses over 30,000 products as well as showroom areas showcasing our latest kitchen and bathroom ranges. We look forward to welcoming both our customers from our former store as well as new customers to this store.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.