COMMENT


February 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 5,921 -


Staying ahead of the curve


Another month has flown by and the pressure on business continues to increase as economic uncertainty and geopolitical issues dominate the headlines and the effects hit people in the pocket. With no sign of abating, the current cost of living crisis is becoming the ‘new normal’ as we slip into recession, with interest rates remaining stubbornly high, despite a fall in inflation. But it’s not all negative, high interest rates might be putting a squeeze on incomes and slowing down the housing market, but it means homeowners are, much like during the Covid-19 pandemic, once again looking for ways to improve their existing homes rather than move. According to recent surveys, online searches for various home improvements and the


latest decorating trends, such as kitchens and bathrooms for example, have increased by over 400 per cent. So there is plenty of interest out there with customers looking for ideas and inspiration, as much as the latest tools and materials. As you’d expect these days, a lot of this initial research takes place on the Internet, which makes having a professional and easy to use online presence more important than ever. Navigating online marketplace retail can be quite a challenge, but one where the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) can help. The organisation holds webinars for members on various topics throughout the year and this month the focus is on achieving success through the online marketplace channel. See page 10 for more about the next webinar and also help and advice on the subject. Digitalisation and supply chain management are likely to remain high on the agenda for the foreseeable future and will no doubt be major talking points at this year’s DIY Week Awards. There’s still time for you to enter and join us for one of the industry’s best networking opportunities, see page 8 for more details.


In This Issue... Neil Mead, Editorial Director


P4 / NEWS


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


P10 / INDUSTRY COMMENT


Important points to consider if you are looking to launch or expand into the marketplace channel


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


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Published by P14 / KITCHENS & BATHROOMS


Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, has released its 2024 Kitchen Trends Study


P20 / LOGISTICS


Mark Moseley from garden machinery supplier Handy suggests actions suppliers can take to support retailers


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