Room specific products during the Easter 2012 weekend saw a 16.4% boost according to a new report by the GfK, which said the dismal weather meant people spent more money - as well as time - indoors.


In contrast, the report also highlighted poor performance in garden products, which declined by 53.2% compared with last year's Easter bank holiday. As a result, the market saw an overall value decline of 11.4%.

It was better news for bedroom furniture, which saw an impressive 31.2% growth in value, while living and dining furniture was boosted by 29% and kitchens weren't far behind at 19.6% growth. The gulf between the 2012 period and 2011 - which was measured over the week ending April 23, 2011 - was accredited to the difference in weather conditions.

GfK account director Simon Foy said: "Easter is such an important trading period for the DIY sector and weather conditions always play a significant part in the performance of key sectors. Unfortunately this year with the weather not as good as last Easter, it was a difficult trading period for the garden categories with sales more than halving year on year.

"Despite this, there was impressive growth in the interiors markets and in particular room specific. This indicates there is still willingness from consumers to undertake significant DIY activities over the Easter break, resulting in total sales only falling by 11%."

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