Growth from 2010

Difficult times

The DIY sector in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Finland is suffering in the turmoil of the financial crisis. Despite this, new DIY store openings are …

Denmark: In the shadow of the financial crisis

The worldwide economic turbulence is not sparing the Danish DIY industry

Back to basics for Home Depot

Sales and profits of the world's largest DIY chain having declined for the first time in its history, the new management is taking aggressive remedial…

Of size and growth

The XL-Byg sales channel came into existence in Denmark two years ago. In the meantime the name is also represented in Norway and Sweden

Relaunch

Wave of concentration  

The Australian building materials and hardware market saw only weak development in 2007/08, with overall sales growth of no more than a bare one per cent. …

Focus on decoration  

Castorama Italy's "Deco City" sales channel presents a new concept that promises innovative solutions for interior decoration and home improvement projects

Double coup for Cofaq

Cofaq has just signed a double agreement with another group of independent retailers, Le Club-Les Briconautes, to reinforce its weight in the French …

Retailers everywhere facing tough times

Retailing, never an easy occupation, is tougher right now than it has been for about a decade

Parquet in demand

The European parquet market is continuing to grow, though there are still major differences in terms of production and consumption in the individual countries

Kingfisher to close Trade Depot

The DIY retailer is withdrawing from the trade market

New staff training qualification

B&Q has become the first UK retailer to offer a nationally recognised home improvement qualification

In a challenging environment

Kingfisher aims to stimulate the business of its B&Q outlets in the United Kingdom through revamping stores, introducing more services and adding …