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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.
In This Issue...
Founded in 1874 No 5,920 - January 2024
Navigating an uncertain world
We are living in a very uncertain world and the retail sector is currently feeling the effects of being attacked from both ends. Customers are cutting back on their spending due to the cost of living crisis at home and there are supply chain issues and rising costs caused by terrorist attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. But there is action that can be taken to mitigate the risks and in this issue we aim to help you tackle some of these problems head-on. When it comes to increasing trade, one solution to consider includes improving your visibility online. There are a number of free tools available to help with this, such as Google Business Profiles, and we have advice on how to use these to not just increase website traffic,
but also bricks and mortar shop floor footfall. Ensuring a strong and resilient supply chain presents a serious challenge to business and one where technology can also come to the rescue. In this issue’s BHETA column, the leading UK trade association for manufacturers, importers, and distributors in the home improvement and garden sectors suggests a number of actions to take or at least put in motion, including strengthening communications with suppliers, strategic inventory management and embracing technological solutions. Read more on page 30. It’s this drive, dedication, resilience and creativity within our industry that we will once again be celebrating at this year’s
DIY Week Awards. The entry deadline has now been extended until the end of February, so there’s still time to get yours in and be part of what promises to be the biggest and best event yet. See page 12 of this issue for more details and visit the website at
www.diyweekawards.co.uk for the latest updates.
Neil Mead, Editorial Director
P4 / NEWS
The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors
P9 / SPRING FAIR 2024
Registration is now live for Spring Fair, the UK’s trend led marketplace for home, gift, fashion and everyday
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Published by P16 / PEST CONTROL
Homeowners are being advised to look out for super rats invading their homes and gardens this winter
P21 / FLOORING & FLOOR CARE
Flooring Hut, a leading provider flooring solutions, unveils the hottest flooring trends in the UK for 2024
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