Growth for Europe's markets

Observateur Cetelem has taken a close look at the DIY sector in eleven countries in Europe as one part of its consumer report for 2006. The market researchers ascertained that there was growth in each of the countries in 2005, which they attribute to the increasing interest Europeans are showing in DIY projects, as well as to the way DIY retailers are adapting to the wishes of their customers. Growth was especially strong in the DIY markets of Spain (+12.4 per cent) and Hungary (+7.4 per cent).
German consumers again spent the greatest amount on DIY products in 2005. Average household spend here was € 944, which translates into an increase of five per cent on the previous year and is three times higher than the amount spent by inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula. British consumers spent almost as much as the Germans, followed by the French and Belgians. Polish households spent exactly the same amount as the Spanish and Italians relative to their income. The market researchers calculated the lowest household spend of € 37 in Slovakia. In terms of spending intentions, the United Kingdom once again heads the field for 2006 at 39 per cent, followed by Germany (37 per cent). Spain and Portugal bring up the rear at 17 per cent each.