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

Strong growth for German DIY stores in 2011

Last year saw strong growth in terms of retail area and sales for the 20 biggest DIY companies and their stores both at home and abroad…

Quality Assurance Tips for Foreign Buyers in China

The mistakes most frequently made when sourcing goods in China – and how to avoid them

Investing is in

In the face of crisis the Austrians are putting their money into home and garden. To the benefit of the DIY stores

The new must

The economic situation in Greece is catastrophic. What does that really mean for the DIY market?

A green alternative

The Swiss DIY market leader Coop Bau + Hobby is making a name for itself with an ecologically orientated range of products

A family business par excellence

For ten whole generations and 360 years the Neuhofer family has been working with wood