Spanish manufacturers' sales grow in the first quarter

Spanish manufacturers of DIY products increased their sales in the first quarter, mainly thanks to double-digit growth in business with DIY store operators. According to a survey of 50 member companies conducted by the manufacturers' association AFEB, overall growth compared with the same period last year was 2.39 per cent. In contrast, manufacturers generated 12.52 per cent more sales with DIY store groups. The industry sold 9.79 per cent more to other industries and 5.29 per cent more to large food chains. By contrast, sales to online retailers slumped by 11.20 per cent. Sales to traditional specialist retailers fell by 6.60 per cent, while export sales declined by 1.40 per cent.