Market shrinking in the EU

In 2013, sales of DIY and garden products in the 27 countries of the European Union (EU 27) totalled € 673 bn. Following a very stable growth phase, the sector had to deal with a slump caused by the recession in 2008/2009. In 2012 sales began to dip once again, and last year the volume of sales fell by another 1.2 per cent. The German market research company IFH, which produced these figures, lays the blame on the weather and on the downward trend in construction in many countries. Germany is the most important single market with sales of around € 140 bn in the DIY core ranges of handicrafts, building materials and gardening.
By definition, all products that are or could be relevant to DIY stores via all distribution channels form part of the DIY core range. Thus even products that are processed in construction, in the trades etc. are included.
The garden ranges, in particular garden furniture and appliances, suffered the biggest decline in 2013, with sales down by 1.8 per cent. In the other two categories of trades and building materials the fall was in the order of 1.3 and one per cent respectively. Only four product categories recorded an increase in sales, with heating/air conditioning topping the list.
The importance of the product categories with regard to sales naturally varies between the individual countries of EU 27. For example, wood enjoys an above-average status in the northern EU countries, while in the south, above-average expenditure is seen on garden and patio furniture.