Feature: DeCOratING


COST OF LIVING SQUEEZE: APPETITE REMAINS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT


Staying in remains the new going out, as new research reveals spending priorities are groceries and home redecoration.


home really is where the heart is, with redecoration emerging as one of the lowest sacrifice areas as home owners look to cut back on other lifestyle factors in tough times.


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Spending habits Flooring retailer Factory Direct Flooring (FDF) recently unveiled the results from its survey of more than 1,000 female respondents from across the UK, which highlighted how homeowners will prioritise their spend as the spiralling cost of living squeezes the nation’s finances. Just 12 per cent of those surveyed indicated they would cut back on home redecoration – only beaten in the priority stakes by groceries, which just six per cent of respondents said they would sacrifice in hard times. Meanwhile, eating out is the most likely luxury to be sacrificed – cited by 53 per cent, with holidays and social activities following at 45 per cent and 43 per cent respectively. Some 94 per cent also stated they


now expect to only buy items on sale or will look for sale items more. Paul Hambidge, founder of FDF, says: “The pandemic and multiple lockdowns were the catalyst for a renewed focus on the home, and many people looked to


improve


their home or re-purpose their living spaces to cater for new multi- functional requirements, such as working or exercising space. “The results of this survey highlight that despite the cost of living putting a strain on many household budgets, homeowners are reluctant to sacrifice home decoration and improvement. People clearly plan to continue spending the most time in their


esults from a survey that


looked at


changing consumer behaviour amid the cost of living crisis has revealed that


“The pandemic and multiple lockdowns were the catalyst for a renewed focus on the home.” homes, and during this


squeeze


on pockets, restaurants and leisure activity providers are going to really feel that knock-on pinch. Key ambitions for many homeowners – which have taken on a new meaning since the pandemic – are making the home comfortable, attractive and fit for their lifestyles. “For many, their home is their retreat, and in uncertain or tough


WERNER UNVEILS NEW WORK PLATFORM


Werner, leading manufacturer of height access solutions, has launched its new Adjustable Height & Linking Pro Platform. This lightweight and versatile aluminium


platform offers users the benefit of both height adjustability and working length extension. Thanks to its design consisting of both adjustable legs and ‘Quick Link’ technology, the Werner Adjustable Height & Linking Pro Platform provides a working height of up to 0.76m via 10 height adjustments. This allows users to reach up to 2.7m; and the ability to connect two or more platforms for a longer working surface, with no tools required. The extra-large 1.17m x 0.36m platform provides a


broad standing space, which allows the user plenty of room to manoeuvre safely while working, and thanks to the linking element, there is the ability to double, triple or even quadruple the working space. Featuring wide feet, which offer stability without the need for


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manual adjustment, the height adjustability and non- marring plastic bumpers allow for the platform to be used on uneven ground and stairs, without damaging finished surfaces. The new platform is quick to set up, with a one-handed lock, which allows users to spend minimal time assembling equipment. When it comes to connecting additional platforms if a wider working space is needed, this is simply achieved by extending the linking hooks and clicking the platform into place. The lightweight nature of the aluminium platform, which weighs less than 10kg, combined with the wide opening Easy-Grab handle and compact legs which fold completely flat, make it comfortable to carry in one hand and move from job to job. The Adjustable & Linking Pro Platform’s 136kg load capacity means users never have to compromise on or avoid certain jobs due to exceeding its weight capacity. Additional safety features include the self-locking legs which securely lock when opened, and slip resistant feet which ensure a solid, safe grip.


• Find out more about the Werner adjustable Height & Linking Pro Platform at www.wernerco.co.uk


Spreading the cost


The cost of living induced cut-backs are also impacting the shopping habits of those surveyed: 18 per cent are now likely to only buy reduced items, 75 per cent are comparing costs and looking for sale items more, and 65 per cent are comparing prices from up to three retailers before buying higher value items such as home interiors and furniture, and technology. Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of the all-female survey respondents also claimed that they were much better than their partners at saving money for these kinds of high ticket items. Hambidge


concludes: “The


results of this survey certainly echo our experience in terms of an unwavering consumer appetite for home improvement products, multi-functional rooms and heavily discounted products compared with the high street. As an online business with showroom and staff overheads negated, we can beat costs by up to 60 per cent. At a time when consumers are feeling the pinch, savvy shopping is on trend and we’re also seeing a lot of our customers choosing to spread the bill with our ‘lay now, pay later’ PayPal plan.”


• For more details, visit www. factory-direct-flooring.co.uk.


DECEMBER 2022 DIY WEEK 19


times, it really is a sanctuary – as these results illustrate.”


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