CEE region records slight plus

Last year the DIY market in the countries of central and eastern Europe (CEE) increased by 1.8 per cent to achieve a volume of € 35.6 bn. These figures come from PMR, a market research company. According to their survey, this growth is solely down to the progress of the market in Russia and Ukraine; both countries have been included in the PMR survey for the first time. While the market volumes in central Europe have shrunk by 1.2 per cent as a result of the difficult economic situation, growth in Russia and Ukraine simply experienced a slowdown. The market researchers expect growth of 6.5 per cent to € 37.9 bn for this current year. The assumption is that Russia will achieve a share of the combined CEE market in excess of 50 per cent. The next markets in terms of size are Ukraine and Poland, each with a share of more than ten per cent. Per capita spending was highest in Poland, standing at 13 per cent above the average for the entire region. When it comes to the different channels of distribution, the DIY chains account for the greatest share of slightly more than 50 per cent. The biggest companies are Leroy Merlin (France), Castorama (France/UK) and Obi (Germany), followed by Epicentr (Ukraine) and Dedeman (Romania); the network with the greatest number of branches is operated by Mrówka (Poland), which had 151 stores at the end of the year.