Opinion on Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies in Europe

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Type Product title / description Pub Price
Expert View
Expert View

BRC figures positive, not indicative of retail recovery

Despite fears of a slowdown in sales on Britain's high streets, the British Retail Consortium has reported that total retail sales in December 2005 were 6% up on the year before, the best result for any month since May 2004. However these figures should be treated with some caution as they do not account for the myriad exceptional factors influencing Christmas trading this year.

Published By Datamonitor
10 Jan 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Dobbies Garden Centres: room for growth

Alhough sales growth has slowed at Dobbies Garden Centres, a pre-tax profit rise of 4.4% to GBP4.95 million for 2005 is an encouraging performance for the garden center group. The garden centre group is a minnow compared to market leader Wyevale, yet despite its modest scale Dobbies has a solid platform for growth.

Published By Datamonitor
08 Feb 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

QS and Bewise: cut-price casualties

The owner of the QS and Bewise discount stores, Hamsard 2353, has collapsed into administration. Up against price deflation, rising operating costs and some of the lowest sales densities and operating margins in the sector, the stores could no longer hold out against more sophisticated rivals such as Primark and Peacocks.

Published By Datamonitor
13 Feb 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

B&Q: in need of repair

Kingfisher has reported that like-for-like sales at its B&Q DIY chain fell 9% in the 13 weeks to January 28. B&Q is facing several problems - discounting to attract customers is hitting margins, and DIY has fallen out of fashion amongst younger home owners who prefer to use professional builders.

Published By Datamonitor
17 Feb 2006
Expert View
Expert View

Focus losing sight of key differentiation

Focus has circulated an annual results statement to a select few which is believed to detail a collapse in both profits and sales. The DIY chain will need to make dramatic changes to its offer if it is to stay afloat in the current weak retail climate.

Published By Datamonitor
27 Feb 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Brandon Hire: room for home improvement

Brandon Hire has said that a number of bidders have come forward since its announcement of a management buyout. Although chief executive Charles Skinner would not be drawn on the identity of potential bidders, it is thought that rivals Speedy Hire are leading the field. As a relatively small player, Brandon has considerable scope for expansion, particularly in the household arena.

Published By Datamonitor
07 Mar 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Wickes: a walk on the heavy side

Travis Perkins has reported a pick-up in sales at its Wickes heavy-side DIY chain for January, despite tough market conditions. Tight cost controls coupled with buying gains from parent Travis Perkins have enabled Wickes to increase its operating margin, leaving it well placed to capitalize when demand for DIY picks up.

Published By Datamonitor
09 Mar 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Kingfisher: DIY downturn brings rude awakening

Kingfisher emphasized its international successes when it reported its latest financial results, but could do little to deflect attention from the profit slump at its UK business B&Q. The group blamed the poor performance on market conditions, but a failure to spot the shift away from DIY to "Do-It-For-Me" was a key management error.

Published By Datamonitor
22 Mar 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Topps Tiles: top of the pile

Topps Tiles expects turnover to reach an impressive GBP88.5 million in the first half of this year, a touch higher than GBP87.5 million reported a year earlier. With signs that the UK housing market is starting to pick up, the retailer is well placed to take advantage of an increased demand.

Published By Datamonitor
05 Apr 2006
CommentWire
CommentWire

Wyevale: room to grow

Sir Tom Hunter and Baugur are leading a consortium to take over Wyevale Garden Centres in a deal that values the UK's largest garden retailer at GBP310 million. Despite a recent downturn in sales, the underlying prospects for the retailer are promising and the investment could drive further growth.

Published By Datamonitor
21 Apr 2006

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