The French DIY industry fared better in 2020 than in previous years, even though brick and mortar shops had to close as part of lockdowns to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Statistics for DIY shops published by the industry association Fédération des Magasins de Bricolage (FMB) indicate that total revenues were 4.8% higher than in 2019. In volume terms, the growth was less dramatic with a 3.8% improvement. After small growth in the first two months, the lockdown caused a sharp drop in revenues in March (-49.2%) and April (-61.8%). Industry revenues then leapt by double-digit percentages almost across the board starting in May. November (+5.6%) was the only month that was a little weaker. The strongest growth rates were recorded in May (+23.8%), June (+29.2%), October (+22.6%) and December (+31.2%).
