The German franchise group opened its first DIY store in Croatia in July of this year. The intention is to build up a country-wide network of outlets over the next four years
Green opportunity for retailers?
Andrew Ross, DIY in Europe, UK B&Q has made history in the UK as the first retailer to offer domestic wind turbines and solar panels on the …
Positive development continues
The European parquet industry in 2006
Positive balance for Obi
The 2006/2007 financial year brought record sales for the German company. Growth occurred mainly abroad
Surprising development at Ace
Ace Hardware, America’s largest cooperative, abruptly shelved its plans to possibly convert to a conventional corporation in early September, when an …
DIY stores always on form
With total sales of € 20.14 bn the DIY market in France held its own in 2006 as the number one in home enhancement. The DIY stores in particular were…
The Top 25 in Europe and North America
Active in southern Italy
Bricomania offers small retailers in the south of Italy assistance in sourcing and selling DIY products
Whats's the use of customer cards?
Numerous retail chains issue customer cards. Britain’s Homebase provides proof that they are good for more than simply passive customer loyalty
Raising the standard
Praxis wants to make a name for itself in competition with other DIY stores in the Netherlands through buying expertise, staff efficiency and fewer products …
Hornbach invests in Romania
The German DIY multiple launched its first large-format store in Bucharest this June. Ten DIY stores are to be established in the major cities by 2015
TV as the new engine of growth
Growth of sun protection market
In 2006 the market for roller shutters and venetian blinds increased by 7.7 per cent in value terms in the five biggest countries of Europe
The decline of a leader
Sears continues to lose market share under its new ownership
Growth region of Eastern Europe
While the saturated markets of western Europe offer scarcely any opportunities for expansion worth mentioning, there are still tremendous prospects …