COMMENT Exploiting an opportunity


Founded in 1874 No 5,875 - April 2020 www.diyweek.net


Contributing Editor: Alex Fordham afordham@datateam.co.uk


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“The DIY industry appears


better placed than most to come out the other side”


The last few weeks have certainly been a challenge for us all due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has caused disruption globally. From the challenges of supply chains, social distancing, working from home and adapting to a different way of life, it’s certainly been tough for the DIY industry to adapt.


Despite the obvious consequences to all businesses in the UK, the DIY industry appears to be better placed than most to come out the other side. Comparisons site rateyoujob. co.uk has recently stated that during the lockdown period, searches for ‘DIY’ are up 145%, with monthly searches now reaching 165,000. Despite this, recent figures from BHETA show forecast growth in DIY and garden expenditure for 2020 has now dropped to minus 12.1% - from £11.4 bn to £10 bn compared to 2019. It shows the effect the recent lockdown has had on the industry, but like rateyourjob, BHETA’s predictions also reveal an increase in the sector growth for the online channel to 16.2%, £0.1 billion more than suggested prior to Covid-19. With self-isolation and lack of public gatherings still likely to be a factor for many months,


it’s no doubt that retail will still be hugely affected. However, the recent evidence shows the appetite for DIY in this country, and it’s a real opportunity for retailers to capitalise in the coming months. To succeed though, it’s about ecommerce, click and collect and making consumers feel comfortable in your stores when they do reopen. Using the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity may be the keys to success throughout the rest of the year… Sadly, following the latest information and guidance issued by the UK government, Datateam Business Media has taken the decision to postpone the DIY Week Awards, which was due to take place on Friday 1 May 2020. Tickets that have been purchased for the original date will be honoured for any rescheduled date and sponsors will continue to receive coverage via all of the relevant channels for the time being.


If you have any queries regarding this announcement, please contact Sallie Payne at spayne@datateam.co.uk.


Alex Fordham, contributing editor, Garden Centre Update & DIY Week afordham@datateam.co.uk


In This Issue


© 2020 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself


Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances,


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.


P4 / NEWS


The latest news across the home improvement and garden sectors.


P12 / TRENDS


Current restrictions are encouraging consumers to see outdoor living and cooking in a new light.


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P14 / MERCHANDISING


Cleaner Retail is helping retailers to stop the spread of Covid-19 with a one-stop solution for safe trading.


www.diyweek.net P22 / COVID-19 TRENDS


Here are 10 likely consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic to the industry.


APRIL 2020 DIY WEEK 3 Published by


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