Forecast negative

After years of growth the French DIY retail sector will have declining sales to report in 2009 and 2010. According to a study by Percepta, sales will fall by 1.5 per cent this year and the market researchers are forecasting a decline of 0.5 per cent for 2010. This development will have the least effect on the DIY superstores. Here the study is assuming sales growth of 0.3 per cent, which will further strengthen their leading position with a market share increased to 72.3 per cent.