The French never tire of tinkering.
Thanks to the confinements and other bans on traveling and going out to the cinema and to the restaurant, they have taken a passion for the development and renovation of their house.
DIY experienced a period of unprecedented growth in 2020 and 2021.
The landing could have been as brutal as that experienced by e-commerce last year.
But 2022, despite inflation and economic uncertainties, is not proving to be a bad year for DIY.
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The English Kingfisher, parent company of Castorama and Brico Dépôt, saw its sales decrease by 1.4% in France.
They are certainly partly supported by the rise in prices, which the group refuses to quantify.
They nevertheless remain at levels unimaginable before the pandemic: + 13.9% compared to 2019 for Castorama, + 12.5% for Brico Dépôt.
Read alsoDIY fans continue to buy despite inflation
If the leader, Leroy Merlin, has not yet communicated the level of his sales, Mr. Bricolage observes the same trends.
Its sales fell by 2.1% compared to 2021 but remained 16.1% higher than those of 2019.
Non-dissuasive inflation
Inflation therefore does not deter the French from investing in their homes.
Despite the rise in the price of screws, paint cans and kitchens,
"consumers have not gone downmarket as they have done in food,"
rejoices Thierry Garnier, CEO of Kingfisher.
The proportion of private label products sold by the group (45%) is no higher than before the pandemic.
The boss emphasizes that customers do not hesitate to embark on major projects.
“Kitchen sales are resilient.
And we are even seeing a real craze for bathrooms,”
explains Thierry Garnier.
Read alsoKingfisher relies on a new generation of handymen
When customers seek to save energy, it still benefits DIY stores.
Smart thermostats, heat pumps and energy-saving light bulbs are selling like hotcakes.
Sad news linked to the drought observed in France in 2022 and 2023, sales of containers intended to collect rainwater increased by 300% in February.
Leroy Merlin and Castorama are multiplying initiatives in this direction.
However, the sector is cautious for 2023. Mr.Bricolage
"envisions a less favorable market environment"
due to inflation, rising rates and the cost of raw materials.
In order to save money, Kingfisher and Mr.Bricolage have announced that they are joining forces to buy together.
Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Mr.Bricolage are complementary rather than competitors, believes Kingfisher.
So complementary that they had considered getting married in 2015…
