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© 2023 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.


Founded in 1874 No 5,915 - August 2023


Putting AI technology to good use


There has been a lot of media coverage and discussion lately about the pros and cons of AI (artificial intelligence) technology. I can understand the worries about how it may impact some industries, but I never thought it would be a concern for the DIY sector. After all, a computer is never going to be able to put up wallpaper or paint a doorframe. But recently I’ve noticed the topic of AI creep in where you’d least expect it, and in this issue we have three articles that mention it, all in a positive way. The first is in this issue’s Daley Hub column on page 9 which discusses how buzzwords are all about being more efficient, creating cost savings and resilience. This is something we’ve


witnessed in the growth of AI, as businesses start realising that it can help create wealth and is not just about replacing jobs, but that it can actually offer assistance and benefits to many areas of business. Then there is the new Decofy app on page 15. This AI-powered mobile retail channel is designed to help home decorators realise their design dreams and, at the same time, end systemic paint waste and the environmental damage this causes. AI is also mentioned in our business-planning feature on page 33, where Ed Betts of Retail Express considers the importance of a central planning platform and AI-driven forecasting to ensure seasonal event success. The article looks at how the digital transformation of retail is creating a growing appetite for ‘algorithmic retailing’, or the use of AI, to create more intelligent merchandising practices, to drive automation and secure competitive advantage. As it seems that AI is going to touch many areas of our lives, it’s probably better to embrace it and see as it a force for good, than ignore it and hope it goes away.


Neil Mead, Editorial Director In This Issue...


P4 / NEWS


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


P11 / HEATING & INSULATION


With bills continuing to rise, homeowners should consider external wall insulation (EWI) to save energy


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Published by P16 / PAINTS & FINISHES


Get the Barbiecore look with Bobbi Beck’s newly launched range of Barbie-inspired wallpaper designs


P30 / GARDEN & LANDSCAPING


Ryan Moss from Tarmac shares how cement can be a versatile and stylish option for modern gardens


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