B&Q comes to Belfast! (B&Q)

Member Name: nomie

Product:	B&Q
Date:	19/05/01 (174 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Prices are not exorbatant, Wide range of products, Helpful staff

Disadvantages: Husbands will like it too much!

B&Q warehouses are relatively new to Northern Ireland- the store in Belfast has only been there about a year-and-a-half. When it opened there was a lot of hype about all the new jobs it would create. My partner and I started to shop there when we moved into a house nearby, a year ago. We've bought lots of things for our home from B&Q and keep going back for more!

When we first started to go I was pregnant and always complaining about anything and everything. However despite moaning to my partner that I didn't want to go, I never found much to complain about regarding the store. It has good facilities for families such as toilets, baby-changing areas and even a cafe. Pregnant women can sit and rest on the display chairs! There is a large carpark outside and the store has a covered entrance in case you have to wait for a taxi in the rain. There are plenty of trolleys for use with children too. The store is located in Boucher Industrial Estate which is quite handy to South and West Belfast. It is a short walk from our home, although we always end up catching a taxi home with our purchases!

My favourite part of the B&Q warehouse is the large plant and garden department. When I was pregnant I actually craved the 'damp' smell of the conservatory where the indoor plants are kept! I must have looked a right eejit going in and sniffing the air! We have bought lots of plants from B&Q, some of which have survived and some of which haven't! I think it's more through our own fault that they've died though. The plants are well looked after and reasonably priced. You can also buy loads of garden stuff- sheds, summerhouses, soil, garden statues...you name it.

One of my other favourite sections is the lighting one. Now that my son has been introduced to B&Q he too loves staring at all the bright lights! They have a big selection of lampshades including all the favourite kids' characters such as the Tweenies
.

B&Q's range of flat-packed furniture is also good. We bought a pine chest which was easy to assemble and could be used as a toy or linen chest, or for anything you want really. They do a wide range of shelving units too, at reasonable prices.

The decor section has every thing you could think of for re-decorating or putting those finishing touches to your home. From beading to make fake panels on your doors, to a wide range of wall-paper and borders to match.

The B&Q in Belfast is well laid out and does not have a claustophobic feel to it. As well as the products I've mentionned, it has all the usual DIY things; kitchens; bathrooms; conservatories; plug sockets; tools; nails... Women may have problems prising their other half away from the power tool section.

The warehouse also has a trade entrance, where business owners can get discounts or set up an account. It stocks a wide range of building materials from paving stones to guttering. The general public are welcome too.

I think this B&Q store is great- the staff are friendly and willing to help, the toilets are clean and easy to find, and the products are reliable and reasonably priced. It has everything you need for DIY (except someone to do-it-for-you).

Summary: