Significant shifts in end-user behaviour were highlighted by Deceuninck in a preview to customers at its annual Customer Day.
Managing director Rob McGlennon outlined the main points: “What’s clear is that a lot of homeowners delayed spend in the second half of 2023 as household incomes were placed under pressure by high inflation.
“That’s been reflected in the industry in tougher trading conditions at the end of last year and into this.
“The flip side of that is that with easing inflation and cuts in the best rate likely from this summer, trading conditions are improving and that is likely to lead to a release of latent demand in the second half of this year.
“Understanding what makes the ned-user tick, what they’re looking for in terms of product, service and supplier – and how age impacts that – gives anyone operating in a retail environment a distinct advantage.”
Further details of the study, conducted by YouGov, will be published later this summer.
