Approximately 80% of UK consumers believe that bank holidays are a good time to garden and complete DIY tasks.

Over the last May bank holiday weekend, retailers that promoted smaller ticket DIY and gardening products, such as late-season seeds and garden decorations, were the most likely to prosper. As consumers purchased plants, garden tools and furniture in advance of the late May heatwave, retailers that only started highlighting these categories in the lead up to the bank holiday weekend missed out on spend.

Next year, retailers must begin promoting big ticket items, such as BBQ sets and garden decorations, in March and April to meet demand, says GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

Tash Van Boxel, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “To encourage spending in May, retailers need to highlight gardening tasks which consumers can undertake later in the year, such as planting flora that requires low frost risk. Promoting garden decorations which shoppers can benefit from immediately may also bolster spend, as consumers look to improve their outdoor spaces ahead of hosting friends and family over bank holiday weekends.”

For the upcoming August bank holiday, many gardening tasks have already been completed, with simple garden maintenance providing little opportunity for retailers to encourage spending in the category. Retailers operating in the sector must focus on DIY promotions instead, ahead of the next bank holiday, highlighting manageable DIY projects consumers can undertake.

Van Boxel concludes: “Uncertainty and lack of knowledge are obstacles for consumers considering a DIY project; therefore, retailers need to highlight guides and budget beginner-friendly equipment to reduce the barrier to entry for DIY. For example, social media campaigns which showcase how to involve the whole family in DIY activities may help to bolster spend for the category, as parents seek easy ways to entertain their children whilst retaining productivity over the long weekend.”