United Kingdom remains stable

AMA, a market research company, estimates the market volume of the British DIY stores in 2009 at just over £ 7 bn. That represents growth of something less than one per cent on 2008, but a decline of three per cent compared with 2003. Falling property prices, diminishing consumer confidence and a tendency to move house less frequently have, above all, had an adverse affect on bigger investments such as kitchens or bathrooms. The market researchers believe that the DIY retailers will now benefit from the popularity of smaller home improvement projects. They are expecting the market to remain stable in 2010, followed by growth of between three and five per cent from 2011 to 2013.