Released on = April 16, 2007, 4:09 am

Press Release Author = Bharat Book Bureau

Industry = Marketing

Press Release Summary = The market for do-it-yourself (DIY) power tools and
accessories has slowed from its recent boom, and progress in 2004 was fairly flat.

Press Release Body =
Power Tools - Market Report

The market for do-it-yourself (DIY) power tools and accessories has slowed from its
recent boom, and progress in 2004 was fairly flat. It estimates that the total
market value was £356m at retail selling prices (rsp) in 2004, with growth of 1.1%
from 2003.

The range of products is large and includes: drills; hammer drills; screwdrivers;
drill/drivers; saws; sanders; angle grinders; planers; routers; multi-function
tools; wallpaper strippers; painting systems; paint sprays; heat guns; wet and dry
vacuum cleaners for DIY/outdoor use; pressure washers; steam cleaners; tackers;
staplers; glue guns; scrapers; and electric brushes, car polishers and pressure
pumps. The manufacturers continue to add new powered products to the list. This
report excludes garden power tools, which are covered in Key Note\'s Garden Equipment
Market Report, October 2004.

Between 2000 and 2004, there was continued growth in the number of households, an
increase in disposable income and a rise in general expenditure on DIY activities,
which have helped drive spending in the power tools market. In addition, popular
television programmes showing power tools being used in room and house makeovers
provide inspiration for home improvements and help to show that tasks can be quicker
and lighter with the use of power tools.

Competition intensified between 2000 and 2004, particularly in the lower and
middle-price sectors of the market. Manufacturing has moved to low-cost countries,
especially China, and production of consumer power tools in the UK underwent a sharp
reduction during this period, to the point where few brands are made in this
country. Entry-level prices have fallen steeply. The DIY superstores dominate supply
and their own labels have a large share of the market. Other types of retail outlet
have lost market share, but Internet retailing showed strong growth in 2004, which
has continued in 2005.

The large manufacturers have fought back against the own labels with a high level of
innovation and improvement of products. In 2004 and early 2005, some of the new
tools on the market have featured dust extraction; integral work lights or the use
of laser beams as guides for saws (as levelling tools and as measuring devices); and
the use of Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries in cordless tools. The design of tools
continues to improve, with lower-weight tools, better grips and reduced transmission
of vibrations.

It expects gradual growth of 2% in the value of the market, by constant prices, from
2005 to 2009. In terms of current prices, the effects of general inflation, the
rising costs of raw materials and the trading up to products with better features
seem likely to outweigh further erosion in prices resulting from increased
penetration of Far East imports. Key Note forecasts an overall growth of 9.7% at
current prices from 2005 to 2009.



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