German DIY stores remain 2.3 per cent below previous year's level

Even after three quarters, there has been no noticeable turnaround for DIY and garden centres in 2025. This is how the German diy store association BHB summarises the current results of the GfK Total Store Report. According to the report, DIY stores in Germany generated sales of EUR 5.04 bn in the third quarter, 2.3 per cent less than in the same quarter of the previous year. Adjusted for floor space, the decline was 2.2 per cent.

The balance sheet after nine months remains weaker than the industry had hoped: in Germany, sales fell by 1.4 per cent compared to the first three quarters of the previous year, and by 1.2 per cent on an adjusted area basis.

In terms of product ranges, the wall and floor coverings segment performed best in Germany after nine months, with an increase of 1.9 per cent. Products from the garden equipment product range also grew by 1.5 per cent, followed by technology/office/entertainment (+1.4 per cent). The home/decor and leisure/seasonal goods segments showed the most significant decline in the first three quarters, both down 5.9 per cent, followed by household goods (-5.2 per cent) and tiles (-4.7 per cent).

"Given the continuing subdued mood in the country, people are acting cautiously and investing rather cautiously in projects related to their homes and gardens, which is understandable for all of us," summarises BHB Managing Director Dr Peter Wüst. Like all citizens, the industry is waiting for the new government's announced measures to stimulate the economy and boost growth.

However, Wüst sees clear signs of a long-term improvement: "Both the steadily rising number of building permits and the more optimistic growth forecasts by economic institutes suggest that the situation will take a turn for the better, even if it will certainly take some time before the effects have a real impact on the industry."