COMMENT The route back to normal


No 5,885 - February 2021 www.diyweek.net


Editorial Director: Neil Mead 07976 255274


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“The next few months will be a crucial test to see if this four-step roadmap is the right approach for easing restrictions”


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So we finally know how the government plans to bring the country out of lockdown and gradually back to some kind of normal life again, which is great news for all of us. The next few months will be a crucial test to see if this four-step roadmap is the right approach for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous steps, so we have to hope that the combination of the vaccination programme and the lockdowns we’ve all endured for the last year have done the job of reducing the risk of contracting coronavirus and we can start to mix with our loved ones and enjoy life to the full once more. With non-essential retail and most outdoor attractions and settings due to reopen on 12 April, and indoor hospitality and entertainment venues not opening until 17 May, before everything else is due to be back open on 21 June, it brings home even more how fortunate our industry has been in being able to remain operational throughout the majority of the Covid crisis. And with customers gradually gaining in confidence and feeling better about the future, we have to hope this will translate into improved retail sales and a boost to the badly damaged and fragile UK economy. Something else we can look forward to is getting back to attending events that bring us all together in order to reward and celebrate both personal and commercial achievements. Now in their tenth year, one of the key events for our industry is the DIY Week Awards and despite whatever else is going in the world, we intend to make this year’s awards the best yet. In order to ensure they can go ahead no matter what, we’ve taken the decision to change the format and take the event online and produce a live-streamed event that will take place in June. This means that we can not only plan a great event, but we can bring it to a larger global audience and provide even more opportunities to network and enjoy it wherever you are. Entries are open now and you can learn more about the categories and judging process that have made the DIY Awards so credible and coveted over the last ten years online at www.diyweekawards.co.uk In the other news, I’m very pleased to say that I’m now also editorial director of DIY Week’s sister publication, Garden Centre Update. I last edited GCU back in 2013 and it’s great to be back on board the title and I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with this vibrant industry, which also has plenty celebrate thanks to a resurgence of interest from people of all ages.


Editorial Director, Neil Mead: DIYWeek@Datateam.co.uk In This Issue


© 2021 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 headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors


P12 / CHRISTMAS


A Christmas spent living under Covid-19 restrictions has sparked a shift in the public’s gifting habits


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P16 / CLEANING & LAUNDRY


Why retailers will need Covid-19 disinfection for months to come despite mass vaccination


www.diyweek.net P22 / SAFETY & SECURITY


Survey reveals the mental and physical health impacts of home working during Covid-19 lockdowns


FEBRUARY 2021 DIY WEEK 3 Published by


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