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spending.
The jointed factors of low interest rates and strong new and resale
housing sales in the US boosted the rising DIY sales during the
review period. As an increasing number of renovations took place,
the demand for DIY products added correspondingly.
Germany tool players not only suffered from stagnant global economy,
but also from a strong Euro in 2003. The performance is slightly
beyond economists' expectation. In the first half of 2003, the exports
to the USA concluded with a decline of 3.2% as exports to Central
and Eastern Europe released an increase of 3.5%. Yet, exports to
Asia are 3% below the previous year's level as exports to the EU
countries inched up by 6.5%. Basically, the tools sector turnover
slightly surpassed the year-ago level by1%. The tool players are
cautiously optimistic in their expectations for the Q1 of 2004 as
they tried to overcome the rock-bottom mood in 2003.
The UK retail DIY sector has been the most dynamic retail sector
for the last five years recording more than 7.5%. The overall market
reaches more than ￡23bn. Growth rates above the retail average is
expected to continue in the near future, at around 5.5 % to 6.5%,
fueled by low interest rates, enduring customer demands, and buoyant
trends in the sector. Major DIY retailers include B&Q, Focus
Wickes Group and Homebase. Homeowners prefer to DIY home improvement
projects such as replacing garages, turning a bedroom into a bathroom,
and building en suite bathrooms.
In France, in spite of the lack of physical strength and size and
finding the work too tiring, 8 out of 10 women undertake DIY projects
in the home. Women of less than 40 years' of age are the most likely
to undertake DIY, and not out of necessity, but for pleasure. For
82% of women, DIY is synonymous with the pleasure of dialogue within
a relationship and not simply motivated by finances or a lack of
workmen. In 2003, 1 woman out of 4 is happy to undertake large DIY
projects such as building and renovation work, against a figure
of 1 woman in 5 in 2002.
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