COMMENT


No 5,881 - October 2020 www.diyweek.net


Director of Editorial: Neil Mead 01622 699110 DIYWeek@datateam.co.uk


Contributing Editor: Alex Fordham afordham@datateam.co.uk


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© 2020 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself


Retailing, Domestic Electrical


“Things will look brighter and more positive as we enter a new year full of hope”


Founded in 1874


There’s light at the end of the tunnel


This year has certainly had its ups and downs, and as I write this, with many parts of the UK already facing tough restrictions, England is just about to enter its second lockdown. We are fortunate that DIY and hardware stores are deemed to be essential retail, which has really helped our industry to weather these extremely difficult and challenging times better than many others. But while it may seem like things are getting worse again, there is a small glimmer of light at the end of this long and seemingly endless tunnel. With the public being asked to stay at home as much as possible once again, there’s a chance many people will take the opportunity to finish off a few more DIY and home improvement tasks they either didn’t get finished earlier this year, or have just been putting off for far too long. This bodes well for another surge in hardware sales, which, together with the measures the DIY trade has already put in place, means businesses are already set up and ready to provide customers with the service and supplies they need. We know that the Christmas trade is likely to be adversely affected by the pandemic this


year, but on the positive side, customers do seem to be thinking ahead and are getting much of their shopping done early. And with many of these purchases being made online, it’s now more essential than ever to ensure you have a good e-commerce website ready and waiting for them.


If we can just get through this difficult winter and out the other side, things will look brighter and more positive as we enter a new year full of hope. In order to help celebrate this and provide some good news and something to look forward to, in this issue we are launching the 2021 DIY Week Awards (see p16 for more details). We can’t wait to see what exciting new products are entered and to help bring the industry back together for a great networking opportunity and celebratory luncheon, as we get back to enjoying live events again next spring. There is plenty to be thankful for and lots to look forward to, so let’s stay positive and keep heading towards that light and we will find a way to reach it.


Director of Editorial, Neil Mead: DIYWeek@Datateam.co.uk In This Issue 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.


P4 / NEWS


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


P13 / KITCHENS & BATHROOMS


Easy ways to make the bathroom feel brighter this autumn The future of home design post-pandemic


We are proud to sponsor the Rainy Day Trust


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


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P19 / HARDWARE & PLUMBING


There was significant growth in the pipes & fittings market last year and online plumbing sales increased


www.diyweek.net P20 / GARDEN OFFICES


Advice for customers looking to build a garden office or transform a garden shed into their new work space


OCTOBER 2020 DIY WEEK 3 Published by


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