Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

DIY and gardening sales drop back in May

Published: 30 June 2014
Following two bumper months of growth, DIY and gardening sales lost momentum in May, according to new figures from GfK.
DIY and gardening sales drop back in May
After good weather in March and April boosted gardening business, the value of sales in the DIY/gardening sector overall fell back 2.9% to £1.4bn in May when compared to last May, as consumers began to turn their attention to upcoming sporting events.

Online DIY/gardening sales over the period grew strongly, however, by 20.5%, while offline sales declined by 3.7%.

Independents' sales of DIY/gardening products in May dropped back 7.9% year on year, and chain stores' sales by 3.4%.

The main losers within the sector were growing media, down 16%, and fertilisers, down 13%, says GfK, which tracks a range of retail durables sectors.

Nevertheless, DIY/gardening remains a strong performer when looking at the longer-term picture. In the year to date the value of the sector has grown 10.5% to £5.0bn. And in the year June 2013 to May 2014 it put on 7.4% to reach £11.0bn, second only to small domestic appliances, which grew 11.3% to £2.9bn.

Comparing this quarter with the same quarter last year, the DIY/gardening sector also chalked up the best growth of all retail durables covered in GfK's report, rising 15.1% to £2.4bn.

The total durables market grew for the seventh consecutive month in May, by 1.6% on May 2013.

Comments


(Your email address will not be published)
1 + 4 =  
Already Registered?
Sign In
Not Yet Registered?
Register
Printable View E-mail Bookmark
*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories