LONDON: B&Q's 'January' sale has been brought forward to 17 December. Last year, it began on Christmas Eve. The sale runs at all 330 B&Q stores and online from 7am on the day.

Euan Sutherland, Kingfisher UK chief executive said: "As a result of the tougher financial conditions, we're seeing more customers then ever opting to improve their homes, rather than moving.

"We've also launched it earlier than ever because deciding on the right kitchen, bedroom or bathroom for your home takes time, with many customers booking in design consultations with our showroom experts.

Retailers are devoting more effort to generating sales this Christmas as they are worried business will dry up in the new year as the VAT rise kicks in and public sector cuts come to fruition. The combination is particularly deadly for retailers such as B&Q and Homebase selling big-ticket items such as bathrooms and kitchens.