The gateway to North America

Four retailers share out more than half of the Canadian home improvement market between them. Lowe’s has been considerably involved since 2007 as well

Still number four

Sears, the American retail giant, is still a significant figure on the market with its DIY brand names. However, its sales have been declining for the past six y…

Shooting star from the Midwest

Menards is probably the world’s most aggressive DIY advertiser. The chain keeps expanding both in terms of store size and geographic reach

A tree house in Texas

A new “green” store in Austin is competing with two giant home centre chains. Its four basic concepts are health, sustainability, performance and corporate …

Losses at ten-year high

Shrinkage is continuing to escalate in the German retail sector. Power tools are a favourite target for shoplifters in DIY stores

Strong growth

The 20 biggest German DIY companies and their stores both at home and abroad increased their combined sales area in 2011 by 3.0 per cent

New competition

The idea of self-service is conquering the hardware trade in Mexico. Moreover, a new competitor is entering the scene – one that comes from the stationery trade

Ragnarok for dominant DIY player?

Coming soon to Iceland, too: Allt fyrir hús, heimili og garda – Everything for house, home and garden:

Swiss self-confidence

A new Obi outlet was inaugurated in Thun in the autumn of last year. What is special about Swiss DIY stores?

Upward trend once more

Slowly the American DIY market began improving in 2011, following a very slight upward movement the preceding year. But many challenges remain

Cherchez la femme

Tree House: comments of an industry expert

A new “green” store in Austin is competing with two giant home centre chains. Its four basic concepts are health, sustainability, …

The Canadian home improvement market

Four retailers divide up more than half of the Canadian home improvement market between them. Lowe’s has been thoroughly involved since 2007 as…

Germans abroad

German DIY retailers had 793 foreign DIY superstore locations in 2011