Transfer of image to smaller stores

The Werkmarkt stores are to make a fresh start under the Euro-DIY banner. EDE and EK Servicegroup are deliberately putting their money on a …

Off to the provinces

Leroy Merlin is taking on the not-quite-so-big cities in Russia now. And that is putting the competition, both western and Russian, on the spot

The benefits of crises and catastrophes

As consumer confidence slowly returns to the US market, so does home building. Moderate growth is being forecast for the hardware stores und…

Lacklustre results

The Italian DIY retail sector is feeling the effects of the financial crisis. But while multiples and the traditional hardware dealers are showing stability, the…

Plans for tighter structure

Soyuz, a Russian buying group, can point to first positive results. Now the priority is to strengthen the central office

Unexpected topicality

Amazon: a threat to DIY retailers?

What should traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers know about this firm? An inside look at its growth and its future plans

Top Ten in Russia 2012

Ranking of the most important DIY retailers and builders' merchants in Russia

National/international brands: Orchestration at the POS

How does brand management function beyond national boundaries? The detailed version of a discussion with Achim Franck, …

Decidedly Swiss: the new Jumbo store near Bern

In its new store near Bern the Jumbo chain demonstrates how it intends to stand out against the competition, especially from …

Variations on peat

Mikskaar has been in the substrate business for nearly 20 years. The family-owned company is one of the biggest suppliers in Estonia

Eco-friendly and successful

The timber building industry in Estonia puts every effort into combining economic success with environmentally-friendly production methods

Estonian Woodhouse Association

The timber industry in Estonia constitutes around one-fifth of the manufacturing sector in this Baltic state. Germany is its second most important …

European paragons

In the aftermath of the financial crisis the economic data from the three Baltic States are signalling a positive environment for these quite differently …