Outlook for the DIY Market

Nev Prevett, Retail Analyst at GfK Retail and Technology, which tracks point-of-sale data in consumer goods and entertainment markets, expects this year’s DIY retail market “to remain relatively flat in value terms, diluted by heavy promotions”.

“Volume overall is still in decline and I would expect to see this continue throughout the year,” he explained.

Figures from GfK Retail and Technology’s DIY Total Store Report, which tracks industry sales on a monthly basis, show that year-on-year DIY trading increased by six per cent in March, but sales in every other month of 2010 have either remained flat or dropped, compared to 2009.

Reflecting on what DIY retailers can do to encourage more customers through their doors, Prevett added: “From everything we're able to see from Retail Audit, promotions seem to be key.

“However in key seasonal sectors, for instance garden, supermarkets have been very aggressive in 2010 and captured the convenience consumer - this has impacted DIY sheds harder than any other channel."

Source : Retail Moves