Sales by Spanish manufacturers collapse by 22 per cent

Sales by the Spanish DIY and hardware manufacturers collapsed in March by 21.88 per cent compared to the same month last year; lockdown was imposed in the country mid March. In January and February the industry had still recorded in increase of 5.77 per cent compared to the same period last year, the association of manufacturers AFEB has announced.
The hardest hit have been sales to the large-scale DIY stores; they have fallen by 35.59 per cent. Manufacturers sold 30.72 per cent less to traditional hardware activities, 21.03 per cent less to supermarkets and larger consumer stores.
Sales through online channels also dropped by double digit amounts: 16.03 per cent which, according to the association, could be to do with general consumer caution and uncertainty concerning delivery times. However in April growth was very strong.