NEWS Christmas trading down for most retailers
The overall picture from the British Independent Retailers Association’s (Bira) exclusive Quarterly Sales Monitor (QSM) for the fourth quarter of 2019 is one of disappointment, with the vast majority of the figures showing a decline when compared to the previous quarter and Q4 2018.
Only 2 out of the 12 sectors surveyed
reported a positive
performance during the quarter, with 5 out of 12 showing a decline when compared to Q4 2018.
Overall, only 39.57% of
respondents reported a higher performance for Q4, which is down significantly from Q3 2019 (42.33%%) and Q4 2018 (46.34%). The overall performance average for the quarter shows a fall of -2.82% for retailers, compared to the
same period last year.
Sales of books, toys, music, computers and telecoms products were higher for the fourth quarter of the year, with the sector seeing a +3.16% higher
performance against
Q4 last year. This represents a big improvement for the sector
New trademark to protect home
improvement consumers A new Financial Protection Panel of independent experts and industry representatives has been formed by TrustMark, the Government Endorsed Quality scheme, to assess the financial protection available
to looking to undertake
consumers any
home improvements, repairs, maintenance or energy efficiencies. The panel aims to provide reassurance to consumers
Business Development Sales Manager Barrettine Products
Job Vacancy:
This role provides an opportunity to work with a well-established brand and an experienced team. A key role in helping to develop new products and expand the existing Barrettine wood care/ product range.
Barrettine is looking for an experienced Business Development Sales Manager with technical knowledge and experience of woodcare products, construction chemicals, general DIY and Trade chemicals. Specific experience of these product types and market sectors would be an advantage but not essential as training would be given.
Selling B2B, the individual will ideally have experience in working with the key customers and potential distribution partners across the industry.
Salary: Basic £38-45K (based on experience). Package would also include; company car, bonus/commission scheme & contributory pension scheme.
Please send applications via email to: Mr Steven Bailey, Managing Director, Barrettine Group. Email:
stevenb@barrettine.co.uk or visit
www.barrettine.co.uk. A full Job Spec is available on request.
www.diyweek.net
on Q3 (+1.42%) and Q4 2018 (-3.13%). Health store retailers had a strong quarter, reporting an overall average performance of +2.75%, which is up on Q3 (-0.59%) and Q4 2018 (+0.18%). The worst performing sector in the QSM was café and eateries which was -14.3%
that if they employ a TrustMark Registered Business
they
will have the correct financial protection mechanisms in place, such as insurance backed guarantees and warranties, that will protect prepayments, deposits,
post completion
workmanship, rectification of defects or major damage and non-compliance with Building Regulations as a minimum. Chaired by TrustMark’s non- executive Finance Protection director, Lynn Hugo, the Finance Protection Panel is a working group that consists of two layers – the ‘Finance Protection Oversight Panel’ and the
down. Other struggling sectors include clothing and footwear retailers who were down -4.80% at the end of the year. This marks a stark decline from the start of 2019 to the end, as the sector started off the year with a performance of +0.33% in Q1. Cards, stationery, crafts and hobbies retailers also struggled this quarter with an average performance of -4.64%. It is clear from the analysis, supported by the member comments
that the General
Election in December hampered trading at the busiest time of the year for retailers as the 39.57% higher performance value is the lowest figure on record across our QSMs. More than 60% (61.74%) of respondents are facing modest margin pressures, due to a weaker Pound as a result of Brexit. However, anxiety
‘Industry Assessment Panel’. Together, the collaboration will of
bring together knowledge,
a wealth proficiency
and views to ensure that the financial protection stage of the consumer journey is safer and there are no gaps in the provision of consumer protection. The Finance Protection Oversight Panel is made up of well-respected senior industry experts in regulation, insurance, finance, consumer protection and legal and they will appraise and validate the different financial protection policies from the TrustMark Scheme Providers to ensure they are
Homeowners abandoning DIY according to Checkatrade
Research from Checkatrade. com, the UK’s leading online trades directory, has found that more than 85% of the public have sought tradespeople to do odd jobs around the house over the last 12 months. In fact, there was an 11%
increase in consumers searching Checkatrade for tradespeople (between 2018 and 2019) as it becomes easier than ever to find and hire a trade expert. Skills shortages could be to blame, as it turns out British people are too nervous to pick
AkzoNobel achieves Certified Top Employer UK 2020 Status
AkzoNobel has been officially recognised as a Top Employer for 2020 in the UK.
Following an assessment of
up a drill, spirit level or hammer to get the job done, with 38% claiming they’re scared to do the job themselves. With flawless homes
dominating the media and online world, ‘wanting a perfect finish’ also ranked highly (53%) when
Brits were questioned
why they’re not willing to do the job themselves. Surprisingly, only 15% claimed it was time constraints that stopped them from having a go, while one in 10 (11%) simply said they can’t be bothered.
its people practices through
the HR Best Practices Survey, AkzoNobel’s submission to the Top Employers Institute was validated and scored. On 30.1.20, certification as a Top Employer in the UK was granted to the business for its exceptional approach in this area, for the eighth year running.
@AceHardware Indoor plan growing 101! Check out our tips here: bit. ly/2tlqLS9
@Homebase_uk Introducing
Homebase
Paint. Our brand new paint range with 60 colours to suit everyone.
@LoveWilko It’s #WorldCancerDay. We are proud supporters of @TeenageCancer, one of our
chosen charities
the Together for programme.
for Families 14 FEBRURY 2020 DIY WEEK 5
for the year ahead has dropped slightly to 48.70%, perhaps aided by a secured Brexit deal and the announcement of a majority Government. Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO said: “The figures from the final QSM of 2019 reflect a difficult quarter for independent retail businesses at the busiest time of the year. Although 2019 started in a more positive manner, only 39.57% have reported a positive performance. Furthermore, to see an overall drop of 2.82% is worrying. “We predicted last quarter that an election before Christmas would
impact businesses
and this has clearly been the case. To have more political instability just before the festive season hampered consumer confidence
and subsequently hurt businesses.
providing fair terms without consumer detriment and abide by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Supporting this panel will be the Industry Assessment Panel, which is a representation of TrustMark Scheme Providers, and they will review and focus on each of the financial provider policies to ensure they are all offering a robust and impartial method of
financial
TWITTER TRADE TALK
@Shelter Our new research with @BandQ shows that 77% of England’s private renters would like to make small improvements to their home
@BandQ It’s garden shear official… the ribbon has been cut and our new B&Q #Merton store is now open! Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate.
protection for use within their schemes.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
