B&Q/Elle Decoration competition designs may reach stores

B&Q is considering retailing new products created by students tasked with designing affordable, sustainable products.

The DIY retailer recently gave young British designers the opportunity to create their own products in a bid to introduce new products that are stylish and affordable.

All designs had to be suitable for lighting, textiles or sustainable creations that would be purposeful in a circular economy.

B&Q commercial director Ebru Saylin said: “These students are an absolute inspiration to us - we’re very excited about their designs. We’re committed to sustainable new products and to supporting young British talent.”

Winners received cash prizes for their designs which included a stitched pendant light made from recycled paper, an eco garden with recyclable components and a new fabric that could be changed as the product aged.

B&Q, which paired with Elle magazine for the competition, said it is considering the commercial feasibility of the designs with the possibility of eventually going on sale.

Source : Lucy Yelland – Retail Week
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