best of 2010
2010: a year in review
A
s we make our way into the spring of 2011, it’s time to reflect a little on the year just past. All things
considered the sector experienced a reasonable year, although the poor weather and difficult economic conditions proved challenging. According to research by GfK Retail and Technology UK, the DIY market declined by only 0.2 per cent, and figures released by the Horticultural Trade Association show that sales in the garden industry were down 4.3 per cent. Within the DIY sector the GfK research
was broken down into further categories. Within the paint sector sales declined by around £790m, or 1 per cent in value terms, and volume sales were down 1.5 per cent. Emulsion saw a 1.4 per cent decline in value but actually enjoyed a 0.1 per cent growth in volume. Consumer reluctance to embark on larger, more costly projects meant that products in these categories declined more significantly, particularly those products to tackle repairs and renovations. Tile fixings were down 11 per cent in volume and 9 per cent in value, and adhesive sales fell by 5 per cent in volume, but increased by 1.8 per cent in value. GfK business group director, Daniel Fearnley commented that in spite of the negative
figures, 2010 was a “reasonable year” for the DIY sector. “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.” While the drop in sales in the garden market is disheartening, the interest GYO was and remains strong, and the persistent threat of unemployment may well see staycations make another appearance in 2011. HTA marketing director Andrew Maxted commented on the figures: "The weather in 2010 certainly took the shine off what might otherwise have been another golden year for the industry. As we gear up for 2011, we must all be aware of the economic challenges but also the many opportunities to create a more meaningful dialogue with our customers.” Such opportunities include, of course, the flurry of bank holidays this spring, which fall at a perfect time for consumers to garden, entertain and indulge in some spring cleaning and DIY. The challenge for the sector as a whole is to attract new customers, and inspire the new and the existing shoppers. The last year saw some fantastic products and developments from pioneering and creative brands; over the next few pages are our selection of a few of the best from the last year – enjoy!
Sealed with
a Siroflex Siroflex launched the SX Instant Shower Silicone to complement its successful premium range of sealants. SX Instant Shower Silicone is suitable for use in wet rooms, power showers and most sanitary applications; the waterproof silicone contains anti-fungal agents and achieves what the company described as a ‘super fast’ set, curing so quickly that it is water resistant only one hour after application. Other products in the SX range include the Sx Mighty Strength Ms Polymer Adhesive & Sealant, an all-round durable adhesive and sealant that can be used for sealing joints, weatherproofing joints, and gluing panels and skirting boards, and the Sx Mighty Strength Super Fast Polyurethane Adhesive, a super fast moisture curing adhesive that gives excellent bond strength to most building substrates. For more information call 01226 771600, email
info@siroflex.co.uk or visit
www.siroflex.co.uk
Cut, sand and rout!
pivoting head for superior comfort and control, an on-board dust extraction port, a protective base to shield delicate pieces of work, a telescopic foot for accurate depth control, a lock-on button for comfort during extended use and 10,000 to 20,000 RPM
Back by popular demand
The gel-based propagation system Gel2Root was relaunched to trade customers in the UK and overseas in August 2010. Gel2Root is a clean and easy-to-use system for softwood cuttings. It provides all the nutrients and moisture that plants require to develop strong roots. It is supplied in trays of six foil-covered cartons that fit into a
Dremel successfully launched a compact yet powerful 3-in-1 Spiral Saw that can cut, sand and rout. Perfect for making quick and controlled cuts in wood, plastic, drywall, sheet metal and wall tile, the sanding and routing capability of the new Dremel TRIO is excellent at tackling numerous jobs in and around the home, from cutting a vent in the floorboard, to insetting electrical outlets into plaster walls or wall tiles, and from making new rain gutters to cutting out a space for a new ventilation panel, to name just a few! With an RRP of £119.99, key features include a 90o
variable speed switch for greater versatility. For more information call 0844 7360106 or visit
www.dremel.co.uk
two-part plastic propagator. Full instructions are printed on the attractive full-colour outer carton. Refills are also available and a 1-litre bottle of gel allows customers to refill the original cartons. Retail prices are: propagator pack £6.99, refills £4.99, 1-litre dispenser £5.99. Gel2Root is available from NuGel Limited of Leeds. For more information call 0845 226 2805, email
info@nugel.co.uk or visit
www.nugel.co.uk
Garden & Hardware News 17
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