German DIY and Garden Centres Report Continued Decline After Three Quarters in 2025

DIY and Garden Centres Report Continued Decline

Germany: The German DIY store association BHB reports that the sector has yet to see a turnaround in 2025, according to the latest GfK Total Store Report. DIY stores in Germany generated EUR 5.04 billion (USD 5.43 billion) in the third quarter, marking a 2.3 percent decline compared to the same period last year, with a 2.2 percent decrease on an adjusted area basis. After nine months, the sector remains below expectations, with sales down 1.4 percent year-on-year and 1.2 percent lower on a like-for-like basis.

Across product categories, wall and floor coverings led performance after nine months with 1.9 percent growth, followed by garden equipment at 1.5 percent and technology/office/entertainment at 1.4 percent. The steepest declines were seen in home/decor and leisure/seasonal goods, each falling 5.9 percent, along with household goods down 5.2 percent and tiles down 4.7 percent. Despite cautious consumer behaviour amid a subdued national mood, BHB notes long-term positive indicators, including rising building permits and more optimistic economic forecasts, although the sector expects it will take time before these improvements translate into meaningful industry impact.

Source: DIY International