The DIY products market declined by just 0.2% in value in 2010, according to a recent market update from GfK Retail and Technology UK.
The paint sector, a key category within the DIY market, declined just 1% in value terms, equal to just under £790m of sales, while volume sales fell by 1.5%

This is a relatively strong performance in light of the promotional activity undertaken across the emulsion and masonry paint sectors in 2010, says GfK. Emulsion saw a 1.4% decline in value, yet showed a modest 0.1% growth in volume.

Elsewhere in the decorative market, larger and more expensive project-based areas struggled, as well as areas of both renovation and repair. Tile fixings declined 11% in volume and 9% in value, while adhesives declined 5% in volume, but grew 1.8% in value.

GfK business group director Daniel Fearnley stressed that, in spite of the current economic climate, 2010 was a "reasonable year" for the DIY market. "GfK data showed that overall value declined marginally while the UK housing market, the biggest sales driver, continued to struggle," he explained.

"Our overall market performance compares favourably with what the company has seen in other consumer durables industries. So even though mortgage approvals hit a nine-year low during 2010, to see sales at their current level is certainly positive."

He added: "What effect the VAT increase and the continued fiscal tightening has on the market is too early to say, but the initial signs are that this is unlikely to drastically impact the repair and small project sectors."

The DIY sector performed well when compared to other mature markets such as consumer electricals, which declined 7% in 2010.