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Kitchens and bathroom projects affected by high street confidence, figures suggest

Kitchens and bathroom projects affected by high street confidence, figures suggest High street sales in the DIY sector failed to pick up at the start of 2010, new figures from the CBI reveal.

High street sales of DIY and home improvement items remain relatively low, despite an upturn in consumer confidence, newly-released figures show.

According to the latest Distributive Trends Survey published by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), almost half of all high street retailers across the UK saw an increased volume of sales in the first month of the year.

Broken down, however, the business group's research found that, while clothing, grocery and household goods retailers enjoyed a strong January, the hardware and DIY sector continued to struggle, suggesting many people are putting off plans to invest in big DIY projects such as doing up their kitchens and bathrooms, for the time being.

Releasing the figures, Andy Clarke, chairman of the CBI Distributive Trades Panel, said: "While retailers see some growth ahead, the road to recovery through 2010 is likely to be fragile.

"Worries about the economy and upcoming pay freezes are likely to ensure that shoppers remain cautious."

These figures come in the same week that DIY retailer Travis Perkins warned of an expected long period of slow growth and difficult trading conditions.

Posted by Tom Sands ADNFCR-2394-ID-19646692-ADNFCR