Successful wave ebbing away

For well over a decade the number of large-format DIY stores in Canada has experienced tremendous growth. But now, as Hardlines Quarterly reports in its latest issue, this retail format is reaching its limits. Large superstores are reaching saturation point with regard to both market share and appeal to customers. For 2008 Hardlines reports a total of 276 large-format stores with estimated sales of C $ 9 bn. Home Depot Canada, number one in this market, accounts for 68 per cent of the total.