Retailers see off the worst

After a difficult few years the British DIY market has regained some of its former strength, and is now moving ahead with a renewed sense of optimism

A story almost without end

Having acquired a piece of land in Alblasserdam in the Netherlands as long ago as 1997, Hornbach only managed to open its ninth DIY store in that country…

Speedy expansion

Baucenter, the Russian DIY chain, has six stores in operation at the moment. The company intends to have 30 outlets throughout the country by 2011

Croatia now Obi territory

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…

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