COMMENT


December 2022 www.diyweek.net


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© 2022 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.


In This Issue...


Founded in 1874 No 5,907 -


Time to reflect!


As we approach the end of one year and the start of another, it provides the chance to reflect on the last twelve months and think about the challenges we’ve faced and what’s been achieved. The signs of a full recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic were quite positive back in January, but then in February Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. No one saw it coming, and it not only interrupted the already fragile supply chains, but also caused an energy crisis, triggering a worldwide financial squeeze, leading to an increase in the cost of living not seen for a decade. Back home we had our own political turmoil, which served to exacerbate the situation, raising inflation and interest rates and causing a slowdown in the housing market. Our industry


has already demonstrated its resilience over the last few years, coping with one crisis after another, so this was just another selection from the catalogue of disasters we’ve had to deal with. Looking for some positives amongst the chaos and I’m pleased to say that the DIY market continues to thrive, as all the major players report increased turnover and profits this year. So it seems the boost received during the pandemic, coupled with homeowners choosing to fix, update, maintain and improve, rather than move, is helping to continue the industry’s positive momentum. We will be celebrating this resilience, innovation and success at the 2023 DIY Week Awards, as we recognise and


reward all those who have achieved so much in the face of adversity, thanks to their inventiveness, passion and hard work. You can learn more online at www.diyweekawards.co.uk and on page 6 of this issue. Next month we’ll have more details about the judging panels and other plans for what looks set to be our biggest and best awards event ever.


Neil Mead, Editorial Director


P4 / NEWS


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


P8 / INTERIOR DESIGN


Paint trends this year have varied from soft neutrals to earthy hues. So how has this affected flooring choices?


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Published by P19 / DECORATING


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


P22 / HOUSEWARES & GIFTS


Spring Fair has collaborated with its trend agency partner TrendBible on an insightful new trend report


hobby & craft


power tools gardening automotive lighting accessories decorating


plumbing hand tools security www.diyweek.net


safety & workwear


Become a stockist at dktools.com


DECEMBER 2022 DIY WEEK 3


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