Extra 'peak' for DIY stores

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An extra bank holiday will boost sales for DIY stores and garden centres but the main factor has been the prospect of warm weather as retailers report buoyant sales of garden furniture, plants and barbecues.

Typically, the industries have three “peaks” – Easter weekend, and the two May bank holidays. The question is whether the royal wedding will provide another peak or merely pull forward spending usually spread across “normal” May bank holidays.

During the Easter and royal wedding holidays, do-it-yourself chain Homebase expects to shift 10m bedding plants.

Paul Loft, managing director of Homebase, also says sales of Qualcast lawnmowers are up on the same time last year, with sales of barbecues, gazebos, sun loungers and parasols also higher.

Source : Claer Barrett - FT.com
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