About the market:

The boom in the DIY market of the early 2000s was a prime characteristic of the consumer-spending boom of that era. Almost inevitably there has been a slowdown since mid-2004. By grouping together all products that DIY retailers are involved in, Mintel calculates that total sales of these products amounted to £54,250 million in 2005. DIY superstores have diversified heavily into homewares, gardening and furniture, consequently serving a more fragmented market than ever before. Consumers are no longer just investing their salaries in bricks and mortar; they are creating places where they can live in comfort with family, entertain friends, and enjoy hobbies. Even if house prices do fall back gradually, it will not prevent consumers from continuing to improve their homes.

However, the double-figure growth rates of the early 2000s will not be repeated in the near future. The housing market could remain depressed for several years with some sources claiming the typical home in the UK is overvalued by 33%. Despite this gloomy prognosis, Mintel sees optimistic signs for the market. The main DIY operators are better equipped then ever to handle slowdowns in the core UK DIY market

About Mintel’s report:

Mintel’s new market intelligence report provides the user with a fresh insight into a fragmenting market.

Compiling together the most sought-after trend data and authoritative, independent market analysis, it offers you a vital way of fully understanding the UK retail market for DIY. It also offers you unique findings from exclusive consumer research; invaluable information that will enable you to tailor your business to real consumer demand. Mintel’s research report has been designed to help you:

Track UK retail sales of DIY products by category

Analyse the market’s major driving forces

Follow how the industry is diversifying

Uncover the supply structure and the key retailers’ market share

Identify key target audiences and their motivations for decorating, DIY and home improvements

Pinpoint the changing lifestyles behind DIY activities

Pinpoint market potential before your competitors

Examine why the industry must bring professionals and amateurs closer together

Learn how your business can break free from mass market concepts to achieve unique selling points

Measure market forecasts.

Intriguing findings include:

38% of respondents do all their home decorating themselves.

50% of consumers are expected to carry out decoration or DIY/home improvements in the next 12 months.

As the main reason for undertaking decorating or DIY/ home improvements tasks themselves, 14% of consumers put forward their joy in doing it.