DIY stores in Austria increase by 2.5 per cent in 2021

The turnover of DIY stores in Austria increased by 2.5 per cent to EUR 3.04 bn in 2021. These figures were presented by the German DIY retail association BHB at a press conference. In Austria, the year 2021 started with a plus of 35.3 per cent in the first quarter (EUR 0.63 bn) - and this after a comprehensive lockdown until the beginning of February. The rest of the year was much more subdued. The second quarter ended with minus 4.2 per cent (EUR 0.98 bn), the third quarter with minus 4.4 per cent (EUR 0.78 bn). The final quarter was also down on the previous year at minus 2.0 per cent (EUR 0.65 bn).

The product category wood showed the highest growth rate in 2021 (+13.2 per cent). Products from the automotive (+12.6 per cent) and plant (+10.1 per cent) sectors were also in high demand. The strongest declines were recorded for paints/painting accessories (-9.4 per cent) and furniture (-6.2 per cent).