Slightly up

The DIY and garden stores in Germany were able to increase gross sales by 0.2 per cent to € 9.15 bn in the first six months of 2009, according to a BHB/GfK report. This survey indicates a positive sales trend for eight of a total of 15 of the main product categories that were taken into consideration. The strongest growth was achieved by flowers and plants (+7.5 per cent). Tools, machines, hardware and fittings also experienced better than average progress. Building materials and chemical products were again just in the black. By contrast, the sale of timber products and plastic cladding did not live up to expectations.