Renovation and DIY: Costs, Permits, Tools and Viral Builds — 2026-09-09
German DIY retail giant Hornbach reported a strong Q2 with revenue up 7.3%, bucking a sluggish market trend. Meanwhile, the consolidation of the insolvent Hellweg chain continues, with Obi, Bauhaus, Hornbach, and Hagebau absorbing key locations. In the US, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index remains robust at 61, signaling continued demand despite high interest rates.
Renovation and DIY: Costs, Permits, Tools and Viral Builds — 2026-09-09
Top developments
Hornbach Beats Market Expectations in Q2
On September 7, 2026, German home improvement retailer Hornbach announced that its second-quarter revenue rose by 7.3% year-on-year, with adjusted EBIT increasing by 12.8%. This performance stands in stark contrast to the broader German DIY market, which has been described as weak. The company's stock rose 3.23% to €64.00 on September 8, reflecting investor confidence in its ability to capture market share during industry consolidation.
Hellweg Insolvency Leads to Major Retail Consolidation
Following the insolvency of the Hellweg and BayWa Bau & Garten chains, the remaining assets are being rapidly redistributed among competitors. Obi and Bauhaus have secured several prime locations, while Hornbach and Hagebau are also taking over Hellweg sites. Reports indicate that out of 114 original Hellweg branches, only about 35 have a confirmed future, leaving approximately 79 locations facing closure and threatening around 4,200 jobs.
Cainsz Expands Japanese Renovation Services
In Japan, major home center retailer Cainsz opened a new "Cainsz Reform Daiei Ichikawa" store in Chiba Prefecture on September 4, 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand its renovation business from small repair services to comprehensive home improvement solutions. The company aims to increase its specialist renovation stores sevenfold to reach 50 locations, targeting homeowners who need professional consultation for larger projects.
Online Retailers Dominate German Service Quality Rankings
A recent survey by the German Institute for Service-Quality (DISQ) and NTV found that Bauhaus, Hornbach, and Obi offer the best online shopping experiences in the "Building & DIY" category. The study highlights the importance of digital integration in modern retail, where seamless online ordering and in-store pickup options are becoming critical competitive advantages for brick-and-mortar chains.
Local view
In Germany, Die Zeit and MS Aktuell are focusing heavily on Hornbach’s financial resilience against a backdrop of general market weakness, positioning it as a standout performer. Business Insider Deutschland is tracking the social impact of the Hellweg bankruptcy, specifically noting the uncertainty for employees at the 79 branches without a buyer. In Japan, Diamond Retail is covering Cainsz’s strategic pivot toward professional renovation services, noting how home centers are evolving beyond simple retail into service providers.
Context & numbers
The US remodeling market shows sustained strength despite economic headwinds. The NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) stood at 61 in Q2 2026, indicating that more remodelers reported improving conditions than worsening ones. Annual homeowner spending on improvements in the US is projected to reach $518 billion by the end of 2026. In Germany, the consolidation of Hellweg involves roughly 4,200 jobs at risk, highlighting the severe structural changes in the European DIY sector.
On the radar
- Fall Design Trends: Houzz released its 2026 Fall Design Trends Report, emphasizing "collected-over-time" aesthetics and warm palettes, which may drive demand for specific decor items and paint colors in the coming months.
- Battery Technology: While no new major platform launches occurred this week, the industry continues to shift toward tabless battery technology, with brands like Makita and DeWalt refining their high-power XGT and FlexVolt ecosystems for professional use.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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