Insights into the German DIY market

Three interesting DIY retail outlets were targeted by the DIY Store Tour, which was organised within the framework of the Cologne International Hardware Fair by publishers Dähne Verlag in cooperation with Koelnmesse. It took place on the Tuesday of the fair, 6 March, when a group of 28 participants from nine countries were able to gain first-hand information about the DIY retail scene in Germany. They visited the Toom DIY store in Troisdorf, which was converted to the group’s new concept last year; the new Obi store in Bonn that opened in 2011 and features a sales area spread over two floors; and the Knauber store at that company’s headquarters in Bonn. During these visits participants had the opportunity for detailed discussions with store managers and company executives, which provided them with insights into the structure of DIY retailing in Germany and its mode of operation. To give one example, Christian Faßbender, head of the Faßbender Group and one of Obi’s major franchisees, was available there in the store for discussions with visitors.