The DIY and gardening markets have enjoyed significant growth over the last year, and the momentum has continued through 2014.
New figures from GfK show that the value of the combined sector increased 10.6% to £11.0bn over the year May 2013 to April 2014. Of the total UK retail durable sectors - which also include such areas as office, IT, automotive and photo - only small domestic appliances grew more, by 11.2% to £2.9bn.

However, in the year to date - January to April 2014 - the performance of DIY and gardening has far outstripped that of any other market, with sales up 16.8% to £3.6bn when compared to the same period last year.

And this April, year-on-year growth in DIY and gardening was almost double that of the nearest rival sector competing for consumer spend. DIY and gardening sales were up 20.7% to £1.2bn, while the next best performer, consumer electronics, put on just 12.2%.

Gfk says the excellent result for DIY and gardening in April was boosted by the inclusion of the Easter shopping days, which did not occur last April, and the better weather. Highlights included lawnmowers, up 60%, and barbecues, up by a massive 91%.

Online sales remain the best-performing distribution channel overall, up 14.8% in April year on year. And, again, DIY and gardening stand out, with internet sales rising 49.2% in the month. Only the office sector did better, putting on 56.5% growth.

Gfk says the durables market as a whole enjoyed its sixth consecutive month of growth in April.