Expectation of recovery to follow deficit

The DIY stores in Germany have recorded sales of € 3.849 bn in the first quarter, which means 2.8 per cent less than the same period last year. Sales were reduced by 5.2 per cent in like-for-like terms, according to information from the BHB. There were appreciable losses in the garden sector with predominantly double-digit negative rates in the individual segments. For the continuing course of the year the BHB is forecasting a definite improvement in sales figures, even if last year's figures are perhaps not attainable.