A plus of eight per cent for home and garden

The market research company Euromonitor estimates the worldwide market for home and garden at US $ 941 bn in 2011. Growth was eight per cent higher than in the preceding years. Households in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Australia spent an average of more than US $ 2 000 on this product category. The greatest growth was shown by the garden sector in many regions. DIY stores, garden centres and furnishing stores together account for a two-thirds share of retail sales in the worldwide marketplace. In terms of individual companies, Ikea has the greatest share; it is estimated at 3.3 per cent.The market researchers expect a two-part development trend for the next few years to 2016. According to their forecast, only in China will there be double-digit rates of growth. By contrast, certain developed markets such as Switzerland and Australia will experience contraction. Overall Euromonitor expects an average annual growth rate of three per cent, and seven per cent in the Asia-Pacific region.