In 2011, The German Power Tools Market Experienced Mixed Results

In 2011, the German Power Tools market experienced mixed results. While there was a significant increase in sales value, volume saw a minor decline of 1.4% against 2010. This differing development was heavily influenced by increasing price levels and the varying performances of Traditional Trade outlets and DIY superstores. Traditional stores remain on topTraditional stores have been stable over the last few years, growing by 5.5% in value in 2011, whereas DIY superstores decreased by 1.4% during the same period. The former did, however, struggle in some periods of 2011, particularly from July to August (-1.7%) but DIY superstores showed a decline in almost all time periods of the year. Therefore in 2011, Traditional Trade increased its sales value share for power tools to 55.5%. DIY superstores on the other hand, witnessed further decline, holding a share of 38.2%. Additionally, Internet retailers performed well as the popularity of online shopping continued to grow. Lithium-ion drives market According to the latest GfK retail data, the grinding tools segment recorded the strongest performance in 2011 (+8.5%), with drilling also posting solid results (+4.9%). This trend for drilling was primarily driven by battery powered tools using lithium-ion technology, which accounted for almost half of the total turnover of power tools in Traditional outlets and DIY superstores. Source: gfkrt.com