French DIY markets still below 2021, but well above 2019

The same picture of the past few months continues in the French DIY market. The DIY trade association FMB reports a 7.2 per cent drop in sales for March compared to the same month last year, but a 17 per cent increase compared to March 2019. In the first quarter of 2022, DIY stores in France made sales of 16.8 per cent more than in the first quarter of 2019.

"The sector experienced exceptional growth during the coronavirus crisis; we now notice growth dynamics that demonstrate a return to normality," said FMB managing director Caroline Hupin, describing the situation. However, consumers will continue to invest in a more beautiful home, she emphasises.