"Very optimistic that 2026 will be better"

The German trade association BHB sees a "positive trend" for the DIY sector in Germany this year, explained BHB board spokesman Peter Abraham at the association's press conference yesterday during the International Hardware Fair in Cologne. Due to high prices, energy saving and building modernisation are now once again becoming a greater focus. According to Abraham, the rising number of building permits suggests that more people will be moving house and renovating their homes. "That's why we believe we will see a slight increase," he said, giving his forecast for 2026.

"We are very optimistic that 2026 will be better," agreed BHB Managing Director Peter Wüst. When asked, he was more specific: He expects the year to end "one to two per cent above inflation".

He attributed last year's decline in sales to the overall context of sluggish consumer sentiment (even though consumers are spending…