DIY sales in France below 2021, but far above 2020

In the French home improvement trade, the trend that has prevailed since May 2021 continued in February: sales are below those of the previous year, but significantly higher than two years ago.

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the sector's turnover was 4.67 per cent lower. In contrast, sales increased by 7 per cent compared to February 2020, the French DIY retail association FMB announced, citing figures from the Banque de France. FMB managing director Caroline Hupin speaks of a "performance not seen since the crisis of 2008". This is "proof that the home is more than ever a safe place and a safe investment," she says.