John Herbert is optimistic about the future of the industry

John Herbert, general secretary of the international trade association Edra/Ghin, is very optimistic about the future of the home improvement industry. In an online interview, he spoke to Ken Hughs about his career, his 67 years in retail, the people and encounters that have shaped him and his assessment of the current and future state of the industry. "I'm very optimistic," Herbert has said several times concerning this. "Since the pandemic, people have rediscovered their home," he justifies his forecast. The industry is in a very good position. This also applies explicitly to the stationary trade: "I believe in the shop," says Herbert.

Herbert also expects the Edra/Ghin association, which he initiated, to continue its positive development. "The aim of our network is to improve the home improvement industry by learning from each other," he explains, saying: "I'm very optimistic about that." For the Global DIY-Summit in Berlin in June, he promises an "absolutely first-class programme and a record number of participants.

Herbert sums up what has driven him throughout his long career, which began with a retail apprenticeship at the age of 14, in two principles: "Dedication and passion for service and respect for everybody with whom you are in contact.”