How is the economy affecting how consumers are spending their money and how does it affect the do-it-yourself market?

Are people doing more work themselves to save money/because they can't afford to pay other people?

In Fall 2001, when there was much talk about how the dismal state of the economy was affecting retail sales of all kinds, it was also said that home improvement was the only segment still doing well. What is the explanation for this?

How is the economy affecting how consumers are spending their money and how does it affect the do-it-yourself market?

Are people doing more work themselves to save money/because they can't afford to pay other people?

In Fall 2001, when there was much talk about how the dismal state of the economy was affecting retail sales of all kinds, it was also said that home improvement was the only segment still doing well. What is the explanation for this?

Mintel will look at these and many other questions as well as delve into consumers' preferences and attitudes towards the do-it-yourself retail market.

The home improvement channel showed strong growth throughout the second half of the 1990s, propelled by a favorable economy, high home sales, "do it yourself" (DIY) television programming and aggressive expansion by warehouse home centers. Growth is projected to continue, though at slower rates, from 2002-2007, due to a slowdown in economic activity, home sales, and saturation of the DIY retail market. As home improvement centers continue to reduce prices, offer new formats, and expand into niche markets, industry consolidation is likely to continue.

Mintel has a number of U.S. consumer intelligence reports covering other sectors of interest that have been published, are planned or are in preparation. Please contact Mintel for details.

Household Paper Products, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, January 2003

Kitchen Appliances Volume 3: Washers and Dryers, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, January 2003

Kitchen Appliances Volume 2: Gas and Electric Ranges, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, December 2002

Kitchen Appliances Volume 1: Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dishwashers, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, December 2002

Young Adults (15-34), consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, December 2002

Baby Boomers (35-54), consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, November 2002

Dishwashing Products, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, November 2002

Power Tools, consumer intelligence-U.S. Report, October 2002

In addition, Mintel has published a number of reports on the UK market that may be of interest:

DIY Retailing, Retail Intelligence-UK Report, November 2002

Housewares Retailing , Retail Intelligence-UK Report , September 2001

Gardening Products Retailing , Retail Intelligence-UK Report , April 2001

Impact of the Media on DIY and Gardening, Leisure Intelligence-UK Report, March 2001

DIY Review, Leisure Intelligence-UK Report, January 2001

Gardening Review, Leisure Intelligence-UK Report, October 2002

Home Interest and Gardening Magazines, Market Intelligence-UK Report, June 2002