Traditional DIY consumer is changing: previously it was very much a masculine activity and a cheaper method of carrying out necessary repairs or of improving the value of the home.

There is a strong media influence on the DIY market and the way in which product design, product range and store format are changing in an attempt to meet the needs of this new DIY audience, many of whom have little DIY expertise or knowledge.

This report is Mintel's regular review of DIY retailing in the UK. It contains exclusive research into consumer shopping habits in the DIY sector. This research provides an insight into consumer usage of different named outlets, shopping frequency and attitudes towards aspects of DIY fretailing.

This report develops the hypothesis that: "as the UK market matures and consolidates, DIY superstore retailers are attempting to maintain their rate of growth by moving into areas which fall outside the traditional DIY arena, such as textiles, furniture and home accessories."

This hypothesis reflects the fact that the traditional DIY consumer is changing: previously it was very much a masculine activity and a cheaper method of carrying out necessary repairs or of improving the value of the home. The DIY audience now includes many more couples and women who are interested mainly in home decoration and DIY has become more of a lifestyle activity, people want to live in a home which reflects their own individual tastes, and are more willing to experiment with different looks and colours.

This report looks at the strong influence of the media on the DIY market and the way in which product design, product range and store format are changing in an attempt to meet the needs of this new DIY audience, many of whom have little DIY expertise or knowledge.

The last two years have seen further consolidation among the major players in the sector, with over 60% of DIY sector sales made by just three retailers. The trade research for this report covers a broad cross-section of views from DIY retailers and representatives of overlapping retail sectors, looking at the impact of recent consolidation and the prospects for future mergers, acquisitions, market entries and market withdrawals. The report also looks at the prospects for DIY specialist and independent retailers in the UK, and at the overseas expansion of major DIY retailers.

Other Mintel reports of relevance are:

Special Report, Retail Review, 2001

Housewares Retail Intelligence, September 2001

DIY & Gardening (Impact of Media on), Leisure Intelligence, March 2001

DIY Review, Leisure Intelligence, January 2001

The DIY Consumer, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000