The DIY market is undergoing a period of adjustment. Sales at specialized retail chains declined in 2024 according to the Inodata barometer from FMB and Inoha, and the trend remains slightly downward in 2025. Households are postponing major renovation projects in favor of routine maintenance work. In this context, which segments are holding up, which tools are gaining ground, and how is the sector reorganizing?
DIY in France: declining sales and a shift towards maintenance
The slowdown in real estate and households’ budgetary choices are directly impacting the revenue of retail brands. Major projects (extensions, complete kitchen or bathroom renovations) are being deferred. In contrast, repair and replacement work is on the rise, driven by the need to maintain an aging property stock.
| Indicator | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Sales trend in GSB | Notable decline (Inodata/FMB barometer) | Slight decrease, less marked decline |
| Heavy renovation projects | Frequent postponements | Postponements maintained |
| Routine maintenance work | On the rise | Stabilization at a high level |
| Number of GSB retail outlets | Expanding | About 2,400 retail outlets by the end of 2025 |
This table highlights a paradox: the number of stores continues to grow despite the market decline. Retailers are betting on local networks to attract customers who prefer quick purchases and small baskets over large orders.
This shift towards maintenance is changing the composition of the average basket. Hardware products, consumables (screws, glues, seals), and hand tools are gaining relative share, while heavy construction materials are stagnating. Following the news on Univers du Bricolage allows for tracking these shifts week by week.
Battery-powered tools and “accessible pro” ranges: what drives demand
The segment that is best resisting the market contraction is that of cordless power tools. Manufacturers like Bosch and Makita are adapting their professional technologies into ranges aimed at consumers, with more affordable prices and simplified ergonomics.
Three categories of tools are concentrating demand:
- Compact impact drivers, which are gradually replacing traditional drill-drivers thanks to higher torque in a smaller format.
- Cordless routers and trimmers, once reserved for carpenters, are now being adopted by DIY enthusiasts for wood finishing work.
- Battery-powered gardening tools (hedge trimmers, blowers), driven by the search for quiet and zero-emission solutions.
The compatibility of batteries is becoming a key purchasing criterion. A DIYer who already owns two or three tools from a brand on a given battery platform rarely hesitates to stay within the same ecosystem. Manufacturers have understood this and are expanding their compatible ranges to retain their customer base.
Online DIY: price, stock, and delivery as selection criteria
Online sales of DIY products continue to grow, even though physical stores remain the dominant channel. Price comparisons are multiplying, and the differences between retailers for the same product can be significant.
Available stock and delivery time weigh as heavily as price in the purchasing decision. A tool listed at a lower price but delivered in two weeks often loses out to a slightly more expensive competitor that ships within 48 hours. Platforms that clearly display real-time availability better capture impulse purchases.
Renting professional tools by the day is also emerging as an alternative. Services allow for renting a rail saw, a hammer drill, or a pressure washer for a weekend, which perfectly suits the profile of the occasional DIYer who refuses to invest in equipment used twice a year.
Durability and repairability of tools: an increasing criterion
The issue of tool lifespan is no longer marginal. DIYers are paying more attention to the availability of spare parts, the quality of materials (metal casing vs plastic), and manufacturer warranties before purchasing.
Several brands are now communicating about the repairability of their products and the duration of spare parts availability. This positioning meets a dual expectation: to limit waste and to make an investment profitable over several years.
- Some manufacturers offer take-back or refurbishment programs for used power tools.
- Repair tutorials (carbon replacement, chuck change) are multiplying online and feeding a community of self-sufficient DIYers.
- The structured second-hand market is growing, with platforms that verify the condition of tools before resale.
This trend aligns with the overall market shift towards maintenance and repair rather than systematic replacement. A well-maintained and repairable tool retains its utility value well beyond its initial warranty.
The DIY sector is not experiencing a crisis of disinterest but a redistribution of priorities. Households are not buying less; they are buying differently: versatile battery-powered tools, consumables in small quantities, occasional rental services. Retailers that align their offerings with these new behaviors, both in-store and online, are the ones stabilizing their sales despite a generally declining market.
