The last time Mintel conducted a review of the DIY industry was in the previous report DIY Review, Leisure Intelligence, December 1997. More recently Mintel has published a report focused entirely on consumer behaviour called The DIY Consumer, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000. This report, however, focuses on the industry as a whole, with specific reference to the performance of key market segments such as the sale of paints, wallcoverings and furnishings.

The market is increasingly moving towards the greater allocation of floor space to soft furnishings such as picture frames, kitchenware and new materials such as MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). In this respect it is expected that the sale of more traditional products such as natural woods or wallpaper may be affected by these emerging products.

While television programmes have helped to steer the market into fashion- and design-led decorating, retailers are now taking the initiative by sponsoring television programmes and arranging links with designers, with the view of creating branded merchandise. Meanwhile, television programmes such as Changing Rooms have further penetrated the market by introducing magazines aligned to the programmes. Where possible this report examines the influence of these programmes in steering product category sales.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

Gardening Review, Leisure Intelligence, September 2000

Home Interest and Gardening Magazines, Market Intelligence, June 2000

Leisure on the Internet, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

Post-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

Family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

Pre-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

DIY Retailing, Retail Intelligence, November 1999

Impact of the Media on DIY and Gardening, Leisure Intelligence, March 2001.