Are We Seeing The Demise Of Diy Stores?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/markets/article-6063617/Stricken-Homebase-raids-B-Q-new-directors-mounts-survival-bid.html

Could this be down to our young who cannot afford to buy their own homes, so live in rented accommodation?

People nowadays being able to afford to employ professionals to carry out their home improvements?

Or simply the lack of DIY skills amongst our young?

[jackthehat]

ymb - We had 2 B&Q stores. A huge one (although 1 storey) and a smaller one (again, 1 storey); the smaller on has closed.

As you are intent on dragging screwfix into this (I don't care about their market share, I am simply talking about the perception on using B&Q stores) we have 2 smallish stores which actually resemble nothing more than Trade Counters. There would be no point in browsing round them.

[Zacs-Master]

I've dragged (strange choice of word, but.....) Screwfix into the debate becuase I think their presence is a major factor in the apparent demise of the DIY superstores.

[jackthehat]

I wasn't answering you, ZM.
I was talking to ymb who keeps telling me that Screwfix IS B&Q....

[anotheoldgit]

rowanwitch

/// It doesn't matter who decorates young or old. But someone is doing it. ///

Perhaps the professional decorator?

[Zacs-Master]

Fair enough JTH.

[anotheoldgit]

I have noticed answers removed, how can this be so on such an uncontroversial thread as this?

[jackthehat]

Someone got a little overheated, AOG.....what does it matter?

[rowanwitch]

Someone is still choosing and paying for it, it doesn't actually matter who sticks it to the wall, BTW you didn't make a very good job hanging the union Jack paper behind your avatar...... it's very creased

[Buenchico]

Perhaps the demise of TV programmes like 'Changing Rooms' might have something to do with it?

Such programmes encouraged anyone with a few basic tools and a small amount of money to have a go at home renovation.

These days the remaining 'home makeover' shows seem mainly to be the ones featuring millionaires who can afford to pay professional builders megabucks to completely remodel entire buildings.

Come back Barry, all is forgiven ;-)

[hc4361]

Quite a few DIY chains have disappeared over the past 15 years or so, I've been trying to remember their names.
Focus
WHS Do It All
Total DIY

I'm sure there are more

[sanmac]

DIY back in the '50s: http://www.thomwhite.co.uk/?p=1072

[rowanwitch]

I think modern prongs do Goethe impression/ you need to spend a lot to get a great effect. I'd love to present a programme on decorating and restyling based on the premise of a budget of 100 quid, and a man with a van to go skip raiding for a day.

[Togo]

Speaking as someone who can and does DIY it, the stores that have been mentioned and Homebase in particular fell by the wayside years ago in terms of product, price, and service in store. They veered off course by deciding to concentrate in the big buy kitchen and bathroom set ups which were in the main over priced and usually poor imitations of good brands hiding behind a "named and recognisable" trade name. I do all my shopping for such as I need at Screwfix, online, and delivered the same day if ordered before 10am. For motor requirements I use Euro Car Parts, again with the same set up as Screwfix. I have an account with both companies and am happy with the service and the technical advise that is offered by knowledgeable staff. B&Q saw the writing on the wall and duly snapped up Screwfix but have mercifully not changed the format or relocated the company to the soulless sheds that they themselves occupy. Plus the garden centres that they have in store are not worth touching as the plants are usually not a patch on the local garden centres. Perhaps for fence posts and the occasional hozelock upgrade, otherwise not worth the trip.

[woofgang]

But those demised DIY chains were expensive and inconvenient compared to shopping online. I have just had 2 new showers and a new shed. Just about everything needed was bought online and delivered to my garage ready for the builder man to use. Nobody had to hunt round stores, queue, load up and unload or pay for fuel to go shopping. Prices were good and mostly delivery was free. It was also a massive saving of time.

[woofgang]

Togo I get my fence posts on Amazon!

[Togo]

Further to the above, I am just sick that Maplins went toes up. I loved the local store and found everything I ever needed from hard drives to graphics cards or connections there. They are still though still in life support on line.

[Togo]

I know what you say Woof and agree. But when I need a little something for a repair or such it is nice to go along with a tape and decide what I will actually come up with when I have seen the bits and pieces available in the flesh so to speak. I would never make a special trip or buy anything in bulk from them.

[Togo]

If you do "a bit" Woof, have a look at Screwfix online. Can Recommend.

[anotheoldgit]

sanmac

http://www.thomwhite.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2855-764x1024.jpg

There's a few on here who would benefit from a couple of coats of Valspar. :0)