B&Q is Launching Stoma-Friendly Toilets in the UK
Michael Hemsworth — February 12, 2026 — Business
References: diy & retailtimes
B&Q has announced that it's rolling out stoma-friendly toilets across its retail locations in the UK to help better meet the needs of shoppers who are living with a stoma and who use a colostomy bag.
The upgraded facilities initiative is arriving at the perfect time to coincide with Colostomy UK's continued advocacy work to make restrooms more inclusive. The upgrades respond to the more than 200,000 people in the UK who are estimated to be living with a stoma and who require facilities to meet their needs. The updates will also be supported by Stoma Aware training for customer-facing staff to help them better understand the condition.
Director of Property Kingsley Mack spoke on the stoma-friendly toilets saying, "Shopping should never be stressful because you are worrying about where you can safely manage your stoma. By adding stoma-friendly features to our toilets, we want every customer and colleague to feel welcome, respected and confident in our stores. These changes are a simple, practical way to support dignity, ease anxiety and show our ongoing commitment to making B&Q truly accessible for everyone.”
The upgraded facilities initiative is arriving at the perfect time to coincide with Colostomy UK's continued advocacy work to make restrooms more inclusive. The upgrades respond to the more than 200,000 people in the UK who are estimated to be living with a stoma and who require facilities to meet their needs. The updates will also be supported by Stoma Aware training for customer-facing staff to help them better understand the condition.
Director of Property Kingsley Mack spoke on the stoma-friendly toilets saying, "Shopping should never be stressful because you are worrying about where you can safely manage your stoma. By adding stoma-friendly features to our toilets, we want every customer and colleague to feel welcome, respected and confident in our stores. These changes are a simple, practical way to support dignity, ease anxiety and show our ongoing commitment to making B&Q truly accessible for everyone.”
Trend Themes
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Accessible Retail Facilities — Designing inclusive restrooms that accommodate stoma needs highlights opportunities for retail spaces to differentiate through specialized in-store infrastructure.
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Health-conscious Customer Experience — Increasing emphasis on physical dignity and comfort in public amenities points to novel service propositions that integrate health-sensitive design into the shopping journey.
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Staff Disability Awareness Training — Widespread implementation of condition-specific training programs reveals potential for educational platforms and credentials that standardize inclusive customer support.
Industry Implications
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Retail — Mainstream retailers adopting stoma-friendly facilities signal a shift toward accessibility-driven competitive advantage in store layout and customer retention.
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Commercial Property Management — Property owners upgrading tenant facilities to meet diverse health needs indicate potential for asset value enhancement through inclusive amenities.
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Accessible Facilities Design and Manufacturing — Demand for stoma-compatible restroom fixtures and layouts suggests product innovation opportunities for designers and manufacturers specializing in inclusive bathroom solutions.
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