Verdict/SAS predict strong 2013 performance from DIY/gardening sector

A recent publication by Verdict and SAS UK forecasts that UK retail will see a 1.8% increase in 2013 – the highest rate of growth since the recession began.

The report also indicates that DIY & gardening is set to be become retail’s strongest performing sector in 2013 as it receives a bounce-back performance from gardening. The challenging growing conditions caused by the wettest April and June on record severely impacted the market in 2012. Against such harsh comparatives, Verdict/SAS forecasts that the greenstock and growing sectors in particular will achieve exceptional growth in 2013.

DIY will also report growth, albeit on a smaller scale, with decorative materials being the most
buoyant sub-sector. Shoppers conducting small decorating projects to freshen up their homes and
make minor repairs, as they start to consider putting their house on the market, will be the main factor for this. Inflation will drive growth in DIY though it is set to decline for the third consecutive year as retailers work harder to improve efficiencies, with savings being passed on to customers.

Another trend forecast is that DIY specialists will be rationalising space, which is set to decline by 1.1%. As well as weaker independents being forced out of the market, DIY superstores are in the process of reducing their footprint, either by closing stores or sub-letting excess space to third party retailers. The superstores are using online not just as a sales channel, but as a means to drive footfall into stores, especially through reserve & collect facilities. However, retailers must ensure they get the right balance between maintaining sales while reducing space.

Source : Verdict/SAS
www.sas.com/offices/europe/uk/downloads/retail/retail-predictions2013.pdf