INDUSTRY COMMENT: YEAR IN REVIEW
RETAIL RESILIENCE AND SHIFTING MARKET REALITIES
As we look back on this year, it’s clear that the UK DIY retail industry is a dynamic and resilient sector, demonstrating strong adaptability in the face of economic challenges. Despite ongoing pressures from the cost-of-living crisis, consumer interest in home improvement remains robust. Despite the challenging economic backdrop, the industry is seeing positive developments in consumer behaviour. Homeowners are increasingly turning to DIY solutions to avoid the expense of professional services or moving house, highlighting the sector’s potential for growth. Moreover, the rise of second-hand and refurbished goods within the DIY market reflects a broader trend toward cost- conscious and environmentally aware purchasing decisions. Retailers are responding to these trends by enhancing their digital offerings. The integration of online and in-store experiences within marketplaces, supported by technologies like AI-driven product recommendations, is helping to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers. Loyalty programmes and flexible payment options are further enhancing customer engagement, ensuring that the DIY retail sector remains a vibrant part of the UK economy. So as usual at this time of year, it’s time for our panel of industry experts to reflect on the challenges and successes of the last twelve months and look forward to what may be in store during 2026…
MEETING CHALLENGES AND ADAPTING TO CHANGE
Vijay Sahdev Managing Director, Avron
Another year of double-digit growth has further strengthened Avron’s proposition: a value- driven range of DIY, car care,
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and high-quality consumables. At the same time, we’re acutely aware of the pressure across the industry from rising costs and intensifying competition. For us, adaptation has been the key driver of progress this year. A major step forward has been the opening of our Shanghai office. This gives us stronger buying leverage, sharper costings, and a smoother end-to-end supply chain, helping us support our retail partners more effectively. Closer to home, we’ve continued investing in the UK business with additional warehouse space, a stronger and growing team, and a new showroom designed to better showcase our core ranges and upcoming launches. While we remain cautious about the current economic climate, we strongly believe retailers
who deliver great service and dependable ranges will continue to win — rather than simply joining the race to the bottom on price. The sustained growth we’ve achieved over the last three years is a clear testament to that approach.
Looking ahead, availability will be a key focus for 2026. We’ll be placing even greater emphasis on keeping our core range consistently in stock, supported by a very strong promotional calendar that performed extremely well throughout 2025. Finally, the reach of social media will play an even bigger role in the year ahead. The response to Ladbaby receiving our Dekton advent calendar was a great example of the power of these channels, and we’ll be building on that momentum.
STEADY RESILIENCE
Bev Bailey Head of Sales, Bira Direct
Independent retailers have faced another demanding year shaped by rising operating costs, cautious consumer
confidence and pressure on household budgets. Many members are navigating shorter buying cycles, tighter cashflow and more variability in seasonal demand, making stock planning more complex than before. Despite this, independents continue to adapt. More retailers are diversifying their businesses with DIY stores expanding into categories such as gifts and cookware ensuring they stay relevant to evolving customer expectations. Throughout the year, Bira
Direct has focused on clearer communication and better access to information. Our new- look website provides improved supplier and product detail, helping retailers buy with confidence. We also delivered our first major Bira Direct Conference in several years, bringing suppliers and members together to reconnect, share updates and outline our 2026 strategy, including forthcoming Supplier Showcase Days and SMS Alerts. The event also provided practical training in social media, visual merchandising and AI. We’ve championed the sector by supporting major industry events such as DIY Week Live, the DIY Week Awards and the Excellence in Housewares Awards. Our team has also carried out consistent visits to members and suppliers, listening closely to their challenges and planning collaboratively for the future. This year also marks the formation of a revitalised Bira Direct team, with myself as the head of sales, our new marketing manager, Claire Leigh and sales support & business development executive, Lisa Richardson, all driven to strengthen engagement and deliver greater value.
As we move into 2026, independents remain resilient, and Bira Direct is committed to helping retailers trade and grow confidently in the year ahead.
DECEMBER 2025 DIY WEEK 15
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