Sales and numbers of stores including growth rates
A bit of an anomaly
The Vancouver Tool Corporation manufactures all its products in Canada. Its latest innovation has now been introduced to the European market
Basketball and composters
Lifetime operates the biggest blow-moulding facility in North America. New lawn and garden products are being launched for the new season
Entrepreneurial pursuits
Home Hardware continues to promote the model of the 100 per cent dealer-owned cooperative
The gateway to North America
Four retailers share out more than half of the Canadian home improvement market between them. Lowe’s has been considerably involved since 2007 as well
Still number four
Sears, the American retail giant, is still a significant figure on the market with its DIY brand names. However, its sales have been declining for the past six y…
Shooting star from the Midwest
Menards is probably the world’s most aggressive DIY advertiser. The chain keeps expanding both in terms of store size and geographic reach
A tree house in Texas
A new “green” store in Austin is competing with two giant home centre chains. Its four basic concepts are health, sustainability, performance and corporate …
Losses at ten-year high
Shrinkage is continuing to escalate in the German retail sector. Power tools are a favourite target for shoplifters in DIY stores
Strong growth
The 20 biggest German DIY companies and their stores both at home and abroad increased their combined sales area in 2011 by 3.0 per cent
New competition
The idea of self-service is conquering the hardware trade in Mexico. Moreover, a new competitor is entering the scene – one that comes from the stationery trade
Ragnarok for dominant DIY player?
Coming soon to Iceland, too: Allt fyrir hús, heimili og garda – Everything for house, home and garden:
Swiss self-confidence
A new Obi outlet was inaugurated in Thun in the autumn of last year. What is special about Swiss DIY stores?
Upward trend once more
Slowly the American DIY market began improving in 2011, following a very slight upward movement the preceding year. But many challenges remain