The market recovers

It is official: 2014 was the warmest year in the UK since records began more than 100 years ago. And not just that: it was also the fourth wettest. This weather, which was very similar in Ireland too, had a positive impact on the performance of the DIY and gardening sectors in both the UK and Ireland.Preliminary Euromonitor International data shows that, in the UK, sales of gardening products increased by two per cent in real terms in 2014 (excluding the impact of inflation). This may be modest growth, but it is positive nonetheless, especially taking into account the struggles faced over the past five years. 2014 also brought a nascent recovery in the housing market. The result was a steady year of growth in home improvement sales and a markedly better year than many of those experienced in the past five years, where neither the housing market nor the weather enjoyed particularly enviable conditions. The UK retailing landscape may be quite fragmented, but Kingfisher's B&Q brand remains the home improvement leader. Unlike in other European markets, Groupe Adeo (Kingfisher's direct competitor) is not present in the UK.

Gardening stores also bene­fited from a second consecutive summer of good weather in 2014, which encouraged consumers to go out into their gardens more. Due to an increased food service presence within them, garden centres have also become a popular destination for families.Internet retailing is growing in popularity in the UK. However, bricks and mortar stores remain the preferred place to shop for both home improvement and gardening items amongst UK consumers. In Ireland, retail sales through home improvement and gardening specialist retailers began to gain some traction during 2014, driven by the recovering economic landscape. Improving consumer sentiment and stabilisation of personal incomes, together with a fall in unemployment, also proved to be beneficial. The recovery in the housing market, which picked up pace during 2014, especially in larger urban areas, was also important. The last five years has seen the Irish engage with DIY to a far greater extent than before, with many either unwilling or unable to pay for professional services for small- to medium-sized domestic projects. This trend remains a feature, with many…