2/23/2010
Construction Fastener Segment Down as Cologne Hardware Fair Opens
The construction fasteners and fixing market and the tool industry are lagging, but the DIY/Home Improvement stores are reporting increased sales as the International Hardware Fair in Germany opens.
The trade show is February 28-March 3, 2010, at Kölnmesse in Cologne, Germany. Show organizers expect 2,700 exhibiting companies from 51 nations.
Show organizers reported mixed sales results for participating trade groups.
While the German tool industry is registering declines, the DIY/home improvement stores reported a slight sales increase for 2009.
The forecasts for the coming months are cautiously optimistic.
• The Central Association of the Hardware Trade – Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel – ZHH – projects a stable 2010, with sales increases in tools, security technology / equipment and housewares.
In contrast to the hardware retail trade, ZHH finds the tool and construction fasteners / fittings B2B business is clearly suffering.
ZHH expects a decline for the tool B2B of 10.9% for 2009 and predicts an overall decline of 2.5% for the construction fittings sector.
• The German Tool Manufacturers Association (Fachverband Werkzeugindustrie – FWI) reported 2009 sales were down 25%. The full year was thus better then a 31`% drop for the first six months.
• The Federal Association of German DIY Stores and Garden Centers – Bundesverband Deutscher Heimwerker-, Bau- und Gartenfachmärkte – reported third and fourth quarter success offset first quarter losses. For the full year sales were up half a percent.
BHB reported customers are not saving by lowering product quality.
BHB’s indications are that 2010 sales will stabilize.
• The German Federation of DIY Manufacturers – Herstellervereinigung BAU+DIY -with 130 member companies reported a 2009 1% domestic decline and 3% domestic decline. Web: hardwarefair.com
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