Saturated markets - Germany

Germany is the new New York

In spite of really tough competition, Germany is an interesting target for foreign DIY chain operators. In the words of the old Sinatra song, “If I can …

Baumax

A possible sale is looking more likely

Will Baumax be sold or not? Will the brand remain or will it be dissolved? A lot of questions about Austria’s number one DIY retailer

Russia

Lingering uncertainty

The Russian economy is feeling the weight of sanctions. Is that true of the DIY trade too?

Saturated markets - USA and Canada

The housing market is key

The DIY sector in the USA and Canada is benefiting from a reinvigorated housing market. But service and knowledge transfers could be decisive factors in …

Lowe's

R2D2 now selling hardware

– but under a different name: Lowe’s is testing two robots in sales and has called them OSHbot

Hungry for more innovation

The UK DIY market in 2013

2013 saw a boost to the housing market as mortgage lending improved and house prices rose in some geographical regions, helped in part by the UK …

Turkey - Euromonitor International

DIY still a novelty

The infancy of the Turkish DIY market means there is room for growth, says Cruz del Barrio, head of home and garden research at Euromonitor International. But …

Greece - Diy industry

Home improvement and energy

In these times of instability, the Greeks are now caring more for their houses and apartments. The DIY industry is feeling the change

Web stores

Not products, but stories

What DIY retailers, who would like to set up a web store, can learn from colleagues from other retail sectors and countries

Europe

Tough times for bathroom furniture

The market in Europe has been declining for years. At the moment only the German speaking countries are managing a recovery. DIY stores play a …

Retailers in the US

Two kinds of customers

An examination of retailers in the US serving professional customers and end consumers

Do it Best

Search for greater efficiency

The US wholesaler Do it Best is testing an innovative order-picking software system in its latest distribution centre

Screwfix

Professional or DIY enthusiast?

Screwfix’s catalogue store concept for DIY products has now arrived in Germany