French DIY stores see downturn as people reduce home projects
Several factors, including cost, have been blamed
A number of factors, including cost and the property market, have been cited as reasons behind the downturn
Hryshchyshen Serhii/Shutterstock
DIY stores in France have reported a fall in sales year-on-year amid rising prices, DIY trend changes, property downturns and weather factors.
Leading brands including Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Brico Dépôt, Bricomarché, and Mr.Bricolage have reported a downturn in results for the second year running with the French DIY market seeing an average reduction in turnover of 6% in 2024, said market research firm NielsenIQ.
Castorama has already started to adapt to the downturn, with 30 of its stores (of a total of 94 nationwide) set to downsize in the wake of a 6.6% drop in its sales in 2023. These stores will reduce their square footage, drop prices, and stock only on the most popular items.
The brand is also set to focus more on its online offering, having seen a 13.4% rise in online sales in 2024. It is also looking to attract more trade purchases, as these currently account for just 5% of its sales, reports le Journal de l’Economie.
Multiple factors to blame
The DIY downturn has been blamed on customers reducing their spend, changing DIY needs, weather trends, and the downshift in the property market over the past few years.
The report shows that while 80% of people in France undertook some form of gardening or DIY in 2024, two-thirds of these did less than one project per month, and one in 10 projects had been cancelled due to rising prices amid a difficult economic environment.
A total of 40% of people in France reduced their spend on DIY and housing equipment, the study shows.
One shopper in Val-d’Oise told FranceInfo that he used to love DIY projects, but rising prices mean he now only buys an item when something at home needs fixing.
Another said that she completed many DIY projects during the Covid crisis and lockdowns, so now has less need to do more.
Even for those who are buying DIY goods, many are favouring online shopping instead of heading to the usual brick-and-mortar brands. E-commerce has a 39% share of DIY purchases, said NielsenIQ, alongside 26% for pet shop items, and 30% for gardening.
Similarly, high rainfall (up 15% year-on-year in 2024) and a lack of sunshine caused a slight “depression” of the gardening market over the same time frame, NielsenIQ said, noting a drop of 4.9%.
Property downturn
The slow property market of the past few years has also been cited as a factor; with fewer people moving and fewer properties being sold there is less need for renovation.
Guillaume Mulleret, market intelligence director at NielsenIQ-GfK, said: “[The housing market] is a determining factor because a large part of the expenses are related to moving.
“All the brands have reported negative results,” he said. “This is something new, as usually some manage to [emerge well] in crisis situations. This has not been the case this year, which clearly shows that there is a fall in demand.”
The drop in demand is expected to continue in the coming months, he said, however there is some cause for optimism for brands that can adapt.
“Despite a difficult 2024 context for the durable goods market, 2025 is showing some signs of optimism. Brands and retailers can innovate. With French purchasing power still at a low point, it will be in their best interests to implement an attractive promotional policy.
“Finally, listening to the expectations of the French in terms of eco-responsibility, functionality and ease of use of products could certainly boost 2025,” he said.
Pet and smart home items up
In contrast, the same NielsenIQ study found that while people may be spending less on DIY, they are spending more on their pets, with a 6% rise in that sector over the 2024-2025 period, and a 9.9% increase in cat and dog food from specialised pet shops.
Similarly, purchases of ‘Smart Home DIY-Gardening products’ continue to grow, with sales of internet-connected products (such as app-connected thermostats, for example) seeing €409 million in 2024 (a growth of 8.2% in one year).
Have you reduced or cancelled your DIY or gardening plans due to any of these factors (price, weather, property market?). Let us know via feedback@connexionfrance.com.
