In 2013 the DIY multiples market was worth around £6.8bn, having remained static since the start of the economic downturn. The key drivers behind the market include, demand for major home improvement, replacement/upgrading of kitchens and bathrooms, home moving, new house building and consumer confidence and spending.

The market declined by 4% in 2008 due to the economic and construction downturn which has been mostly static since. The market, over this time, has been supported by a move from DIY to GSI, which favors DIY multiples. Over the period the number of high value home improvement projects has been replaced by more simple DIY tasks. Also the use of multiples by tradesmen has increased. Through early 2013 DIY activity was maintained by warmer weather, increased customer confidence, improved stability in economic indicators with levels of output and activity improving in the construction and house building sectors. DIY multiples enjoyed improvement in big ticket products in tandem with strong performance in the garden products sector which was due to not only good, but also poor weather.

While the UK economy remains weak, there is growing optimism for maintained recovery in the house building sector as well as the construction industry in general. Prospects for the multiples market in 2014 have been more positive with growth expected to reach nearly £7bn.

Looking forwards its expected to see GSI return which should benefit the builders’ merchants more. Consumers that undertake large-scale projects are expected to use an increased variety of purchasing options to acquire more competitive prices focusing on value for money.

The market of DIY multiples has experienced some quite significant changes since the downturn, after store rationalisation as a result of increased competition or re-structuring as well as the closure of key multiples.

While performance between product sectors has varied over the period, garden and leisure has been consistently the largest in the multiples market. Strong performing sectors also include building materials, lighting and electrical, housewares, decorating and hardware.

Consumer behavior is still changing due to fundamental developments in digital technology. Companies have been producing increasingly sophisticated strategies to keep up with the demands of consumers as they increasingly seek better value and more convenient ways to shop. Many consumers have been utilising the convenience of online comparison prior to visiting stores as well using mobile phones and tablets in store.

Over the short term it is likely that consumers may continue to undertake DIY tasks themselves, past that, GSI is more likely to increase as the market shifts back to larger scale home improvements, taking note of the number of years of product replacements deferral and that of home improvements.