Like-for-like level with last year

The nominal gross sales recorded by the DIY stores in Germany over the first six months of 2012 add up to close on € 9.6 bn. According to information from the BHB retailers’ association, this means they achieved nominal growth of 1.1 per cent prior to adjustment, compared to the same period last year. The industry’s like-for-like sales are at last year’s level with a fluctuation rate of 0.2 per cent.The bad weather in April was critical for the overall trend. For example, it led to a like-for-like sales decline of 7.0 per cent in the area of garden furniture and decoration and to a minus of 4.7 per cent in garden hardware. This contrasts with flowers and plants, which saw an increase of 2.6 per cent.