German DIY stores show increase

In 2009 the German DIY market had a volume of € 17.9 bn, two per cent up on 2008. The increase amounted to a meagre 0.7 per cent in like-for-like terms. Information from the BHB DIY Retailers’ Association reveals that especially positive progress was experienced by live plants (+6.4 per cent), garden furniture (+4.3 per cent) and leisure/craft/hobby (+4.3 per cent). The most severe fall of -4.1 per cent was reported for wood/plastics. The Association expects sales to remain stable for the year 2010.