#COVID19: Boost to home improvement sales as Brits self-isolate

GfK, Germany’s largest market research institute, has reported large increases in the British DIY and home improvement markets this month, as Brits begin to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 virus.

In the week commencing 9th March, purchases of building materials rose by 12.2% in comparison to the same week last year, whilst tools and equipment sales rose by 9.8%.

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Purchases of paint in this period also increased by 12.9% whilst sales of plants, seeds and bulbs increased by 35.4%.

Kelly Whitwick, UK retail lead for market insights at GfK, said: ‘With more of us confined to our homes, the opportunity to undertake home improvement increases – as does our urge to make our home environment as attractive and calming as possible, and our need for domestic activities to combat the boredom.

'A large proportion of the growth we’re seeing is coming from online sales, as Britain’s shoppers take heed of the Government’s social distancing advice.’