Development poor

The Japanese DIY market is growing slowly. According to information supplied by the Japan DIY Industry Association, total sales rose in 2004 by 1.2 per cent over the previous year to JPY 3 968 bn (€ 28.95 bn). The number of stores increased by almost the same figure (1.3 per cent) to 3 910 outlets. In a five-year comparison the Japanese DIY market's volume of trade grew by 8.7 per cent overall, and the number of stores by 7 per cent.