No real growth expected for DIY stores in Germany 

DIY stores in Germany are recording a 1.3 per cent decline in sales this year, with sales totalling around EUR 24.7 bn. This projection was presented by market expert Klaus Peter Teipel at the the second day of the BHB Congress in Bonn. The longer-term trend, which has seen DIY stores in decline since 2021, cannot be ignored. At the same time, it must be noted that "other sales channels are recording significant growth in some cases". He cited food retailers, and in particular discounters and clearance stores: "Will these customers return?" Teipel asked the audience. Teipel does not expect any real growth in 2026; he forecasts a 0.2 per cent increase for the DIY trade in Germany. 

It will not be until 2027 or 2028 that the industry could benefit from the current upturn in building permits and construction investment. The industry expert does not give German DIY stores a good report card…