Content about Do it yourself

January 12, 2012
EDRA points to new members, including Lowe's

The European DIY-Retail Association (EDRA) added seven new members in 2011, bringing the latest tally to 92 home center companies. 

In its end-of-year message, EDRA General Secretary John W. Herbert, described the day-to-day routine of the group, now in its second year as an independent association. "We are heavily involved at our Cologne office dealing with the increasing number of network inquiries from our members, which include company and store visits, statistics, best practices and trends."

August 22, 2011
Cologne Hardware Fair sees strength in power tools

Organizers of the Internationale Eisenwarenmesse -- or, International Hardware Fair -- are seeing growing industry demand in worldwide hand-held power tools.

According to Koelnmesse, the 2010 growth rates in Europe matched the ones in Asia with 8%. Europe is currently the world’s largest market for handheld power tools (EUR 3.2 billion) followed by North America (EUR 1.9 billion) and the Asia Pacific region (EUR 1.5 billion).

August 10, 2011
China show expects to attract 35,000

More than 35,000 trade visitors from 85 countries are expected to fill out the China International Hardware Show 2011 in Shanghai. Some 2,400 exhibitors from around 20 countries and regions are also expected.

The Sept. 21 to 23 event, organized by Koelnmesse and the China National Hardware Association, is described as Asia's leading trade fair for tools, DIY and building hardware, security systems and locks.

July 17, 2011
True Value launches DIY True Stories contest

Reaching into the realm of social media marketing, True Value Co. is rolling out a a DIY True Stories contest on Facebook. 

Through Aug. 15, DIYers will have the chance to submit details regarding their wildest home improvement endeavor. 

June 7, 2011
Time-honored rule of DIY: Accidents happen

An article in Consumer Reports highlighting Home Safety Month listed the top injuries that occur to homeowners doing home repairs, remodeling, yard work and other projects. Citing statistics from the Home Safety Council, the magazine reported that one in five consumers will need medical attention this year, as 43 million homeowners tackle 57 million home improvement projects. 

April 21, 2011
DIY Council taps Seagrave as president

Jayne Seagrave will take over as  president of the Worldwide DIY Council, effective May 1. Seagrave will take over for past executive secretary Donald Droesch, who is retiring from the Council. 

Seagrave is marketing director of the Vancouver Tool Corp. She holds a Ph.D in Criminology and is an active speaker and author. She has been a member of the council for more than six years and served on the board from 2007 to 2010. She is the first woman to hold the position and also the first Canadian to do so.

March 21, 2011
British women say 'no thanks' to DIY husbands

A recent survey conducted among female U.K. homeowners found that 61% would rather hire a professional for a repair job than give it to their husband or significant other. The on-line survey was conducted by myhammer.com.uk.

At the top of the list of the jobs women felt their partners could not complete to a good standard were fitting [remodeling] a kitchen (57%); tiling a bathroom (47%); laying flooring (43%); and replacing an electrical socket (34%). Only 35% entrusted their partners with wallpapering. 

December 10, 2010
Home Depot launches online DIY community

Atlanta-based Home Depot announced it has launched a new online community designed as a place where do-it-yourselfers can discuss home improvement projects and share their expertise with each other.

November 8, 2010
3M and Home Safety Council team up

Saint Paul, Minn.-based 3M has teamed up with the Home Safety Council to help build...

September 28, 2010
Black & Decker re-launches website

Towson, Md.- based Black & Decker announced Monday that it has re-launched its website blackanddecker.com...

Towson, Md.- based Black & Decker announced Monday that it has re-launched its website blackanddecker.com after an extensive upgrade.

The new site aims to provide an improved resource for its DIY customers, the company said.

The site features new additions, such as an interactive project section where visitors can contribute projects and questions to other DIYers. The new project section also features step-by-step project guides and provides before and after images.

October 19, 2008
Handsaws

Few product categories are as closely associated with old-school artisanship as the handsaw. Low-tech, but...

October 5, 2008
In Shanghai, a closer look at the Chinese consumer

While the China International Hardware Show highlighted trends worldwide this fall, the event simmered with...

September 17, 2008
China International Hardware Show kicks off

The CIHA has seen exhibitor participation grow from around 1,800 in 2007 to well over...

August 28, 2008
Kingfisher will sell Italian DIY stores

Groupe Adeo, a Lille, France-based DIY chain, will take over the 31 Castorama stores in...

July 21, 2008
Do it Best suppliers donate to Habitat for Humanity

More than 100 vendors that exhibited at the recent Do it Best spring market donated...

April 13, 2008
Hardware goes global in Cologne

Manfred Maus, the retired co-founder of leading German retailer OBI, was milling about Hall 7...

March 10, 2008
Hardware goes global in Cologne

The International Hardware Fair/Practical World, held in Cologne, Germany, featured products, trends and participation from...

September 10, 2007
Exploring the Russian DIY market

Kingfisher hopes to tap the estimated $20.3 billion home improvement market in Russia. HCN spoke...