No fold, no twist

The problem of garden hoses kinking and twisting ended with the introduction of the NTS technology patented by Fitt. A great number of other innovations have …

Speedier stockturn of bestsellers

Italy’s distribution scene is characterised by a few big chains and a lot of local players. Tesa Italia adapts the parent company’s strategy to …

Stronger together

Nespoli has undergone restructuring after the acquisition of the German Noelle Group

The market is becoming increasingly European

Obi boss Sergio Giroldi on his company’s opportunities in Italy and that country’s special features

Slow upward progress

Obi intends to continue with expansion in Italy – but not overhastily. The goal is market leadership in the medium term

“We are the benchmark”

Self is countering the current situation in Italy by means of reworking product assortments, opening up to the trade market and adding a new marketing format

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