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Picking your way along the garden path

Article Abstract:

United Kingdom companies offering DIY goods and garden supplies have performed well. Companies in the sector include Wyevale Garden Centres, Country Gardens, William Sinclair, Kingfisher, which owns B and Q, a DIY firm, Topps Tiles, Wickes and Meyer International. Independent garden centers are likely to be taken over by the larger operations, and centers which do not offer a wide range of supplies are especially vulnerable. Garden centers can be affected by adverse weather, which is less true for DIY retailers.

Nurseries & Garden Supplies, Nursery and Garden Centers, Retail nurseries and garden stores, United Kingdom, Garden centers (Retail)

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Unwelcome attentions

Article Abstract:

Wickes has developed a profitable market between builders' merchants and do-it-yourself suppliers. The company has had problems with its activities as a timber merchant, but has healthy DIY profits. Competition may come from B and Q which is setting up larger stores with a wider range, while builders' merchants are also targeting small builders. The company should benefit from selling its timber merchants. Wickes' profit is forecast at 47 million pounds sterling for 1996 by NatWest Securities.

Wickes PLC

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The Home Depot

Article Abstract:

The Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer world wide and has increased the number of its stores to 470 from 60 over a decade. The company's customers are professional builders as well as householders. The Home Depot is continuing to perform strongly in 1996 and aims to increase the number of its stores to 900 by 2000. This means the company's stake in the US market is increasing. Market conditions are favorable as retail consumer spending revives in the US.

Retail industry, Retail trade, The Home Depot Inc., HD, Company Profile

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