UK shoppers are staying at home to catch up on DIY this Easter weekend, if the online evidence is to be believed. Online purchases of DIY products rose by 60% in the UK in the run up to Easter compared to last Easter, says Carl Clump, chief executive of payment fraud protection specialists Retail Decisions (ReD). “Interestingly, UK online sales of DIY items were up three-fold during weekends in March,” he said. Moreover, the average value of each transaction also increased by £112 from £253 to £365.
“There is a clear shift in consumer trends towards buying home improvement products online. Internet purchases allow customers to have the goods delivered directly to their door, both saving time and avoiding the Easter weekend rush at the tills. There is no wasted trip if an item is out of stock and there is the added advantage of online discounts and easy price comparisons.”
According to ReD’s data the two most popular home improvement activities in the UK were kitchen upgrades and bathroom remodeling. Storage furniture and wardrobes also scored highly, suggesting, says ReD that homeowners are looking to improve rather than move house in a weak housing market.
Our view: It’s interesting to see that online sales are now taking off for DIY stores. Until relatively recently shoppers saw it more convenient to make a personal visit to the store so they could get on with the work immediately, but it seems that is changing now as consumers see the value in planning ahead.
