Report Summary

Period covered: 01 February - 28 February 2026

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30-day membership trial now.

DIY & Gardening Sales

DIY and gardening sales fell by xx% year-on-year in February, declining at a similar rate to a year earlier and reversing the xx% growth recorded in January.

Compared with other non-food sectors, DIY and gardening was the weakest performer, driven by a combination of weather disruption and cautious consumer behaviour.

Key trading themes and drivers

February saw a deterioration in demand following January’s temporary uplift. Earlier promotional activity had supported some spending, but this momentum did not carry through, leaving a softer trading environment.

Weather conditions were a primary driver of the slowdown. One of the wettest Februarys on record significantly reduced store visits and delayed the start of the gardening season. Seasonal demand failed to materialise, with consumers postponing outdoor projects and purchases until conditions improved.

Underlying demand for DIY also remained subdued. Households showed limited appetite for non-essential home improvement activity, with larger projects often deferred.

Price-led dynamics were evident across the category. Where sales did occur, they were often driven by promotions and value-led purchasing, with consumers trading down to lower-priced products or prioritising essential maintenance items.

Consumer priorities continued to shift away from home improvement towards essentials and selected experiences. DIY and gardening, which typically require both time and financial commitment, saw reduced engagement as households focused on more immediate needs.

Macroeconomic backdrop

The macroeconomic environment remained challenging, with geopolitical developments adding further uncertainty.

Consumer confidence weakened during February, with households responding to concerns around inflation and the broader economic outlook.

Inflation trends were broadly stable in February, with CPI holding at xx% YoY and rising xx% on the month. Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation eased to xx% year-on-year, offering some relief in essential spending. However, the escalation of conflict in the Middle East late in the month has increased uncertainty around the inflation outlook. Rising energy prices have introduced upward pressure on the near-term path for inflation, with expectations now pointing to CPI remaining closer to xx% over the coming quarters.

Monetary policy has become more cautious in response. Interest rates were held at xx%, with expectations for near-term reductions pushed further out.

Household finances remain under pressure, with consumers prioritising essential outgoings and managing budgets carefully. This has a direct impact on DIY and gardening, where spending can be postponed.

The housing market has shown tentative signs of improvement, with modest house price growth and slightly higher mortgage approvals. However, transaction volumes remain below historical norms, limiting the level of home-related activity that typically supports DIY demand.

Take out a FREE 30 day membership trial to read the full report.

Confidence fell two points to -21 in March