COMMENT


December 2024 www.diyweek.net


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© 2024 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 5,931 -


Facing the future with optimism


As 2024 draws to a close, it’s fair to say that it has been a challenging year in many ways. But despite all the problems and obstacles business has faced this year, the general feeling amongst most DIY, home improvement and garden retailers is one of optimism. That’s something we should collectively all be very proud of. This month, as usual in our December issue, we have an end of year review and comments


from some key industry players and experts. Despite the majority mentioning problems caused by economic pressures, such as the ongoing cost of living crisis and the new government’s recent Autumn Budget, they also remain positive about the future for our sector


and what 2025 is likely to bring. Read what they have to say starting on page 15. One of the many highlights for me this year was the DIY Week Awards event that took place in May. A lot of work by the team goes into the planning and execution of the Awards, so it’s always gratifying when they go well and we receive positive feedback. The event seems to come around quicker every year and we are already well into the planning phase of the 2025 programme and we have some exciting new developments to announce. We are constantly discussing and evaluating the Awards in order to keep them relevant to the current market and maintain their transparency and value. Therefore, this year the supplier categories will be judged by our panel of industry experts as usual, but we have updated the retailer categories and these will be voted on by you. Plus, we have a new industry conference scheduled for the morning of the Awards event, more details on both these topics will follow soon. In the meantime, I want to thank you for your continued support and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


In This Issue... Neil Mead, Editorial Director


P4 / NEWS


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


P9 / INTERIOR DESIGN


home interior experts Handrail Creations explore the trends set to define our homes in the coming year


Datateam Business Media Ltd, 15a London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LY


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Published by P22 / WALLCOVERINGS


Artisan wallpaper design house Feathr has unveiled its top five interior design trends for 2025


P24 / HOUSEWARES


Spring Fair 2025 promises an immersive experience packed with events and features designed to inspire


become a stockist at dktools.com


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