COMMENT Stepping up to the challenge


Founded in 1874 No 5,876 - May 2020 www.diyweek.net


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Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


“Putting in the


necessary measures required in order to protect both staff and customers is far from easy and can also prove expensive”


I think it’s fair to say that our industry has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic storm better than many others. While some sectors have come to a complete standstill and others have suffered an unprecedented slump in sales, demand for DIY and hardware products has increased as people tackle those long put off projects during lockdown. Like many other DIYers, I’m guilty of hoarding various bits and pieces that I’m sure will come in useful one day. These include tools, hardware and other gadgets that I’ve collected over the years and could never bring myself to throw out. But during this lockdown period, I’ve had time to tidy up my workshop and go through all of this stuff and gradually use up my supplies while completing various jobs and now need to restock. I’m sure this is a situation that many other home improvement and DIY enthusiasts will find themselves in, which is great news for the trade and one of the reasons why DIY and hardware stores have been so busy. Being classified as ‘essential businesses’ by the government was of course welcomed, but


with reduced manufacturing capabilities and supply chains stretched, the problem for DIY retailers has been keeping up with and finding ways to satisfy this increased demand. The good news is supplies do seem to be getting through and the manufacturers and distributors I’ve been in touch with recently are managing to service their customers and keep them stocked with a good range of key products. Of course now that restrictions are being lifted and we are gradually getting used to social distancing, which forms a major part of the ‘new normal’, there are a number of new challenges facing retailers. Putting in the necessary measures required in order to protect both staff and customers is far from easy and can also prove expensive, but DIY retailers have done an incredible job so far and in may instances are leading the way and showing how it can be done successfully.


In this issue we look at some other areas of business that have been affected by the


coronavirus pandemic, many of which may have been changed forever. These include the branding, marketing and promotion of goods and services, changes in logistics, distribution and supply chains, as well as the pros and cons of providing extended returns. Other features include a focus on products made in Britain, the latest tool innovations, as well as garden care and advice on dealing with asbestos safely, all proof that the DIY industry continues to adapt, survive and thrive no matter what challenges we face along the way.


Director of Editorial, Neil Mead: DIYWeek@Datateam.co.uk In This Issue P4 / NEWS


The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors


P8 / HEALTH & SAFETY


Alpha Surveys share their knowledge on asbestos and its risks and how DIYers can stay protected


We are proud to sponsor the Rainy Day Trust


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P10 / MADE IN BRITAIN


DIY Week takes a look at what’s behind some enduring British manufacturing success stories


www.diyweek.net P21 / BUSINESS INSIGHT


What we can expect the future supply chain landscape to look like once we get back to the ‘new normal’


MAY 2020 DIY WEEK 3 Published by


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