Sales boom of sports, DIY items in pandemic

Sales of power tools and paint as well as running shoes and skateboards have increased as the impact of the pandemic changes spending habits, retailers suggest.
Times of Malta spoke to home improvement retailers and sports stores, who say their sales indicate people are spending more time on DIY and outdoor activities.
Retailers suggest demand has been helped by the fact that COVID-19 has restricted travel and resulted in some households having more disposable income.
BigMat and PM Pace & Mercieca said they saw increases in outdoor products and home improvement tools. Mochika-Outdoor Life and Epic Extreme Sports said they saw sales soar for particular outdoor sports equipment.
What’s popular in DIY?
Noel Hollier, operations manager from BigMat, said sales of paint, soft furnishings, kitchenware and appliances have all increased.
“Some of our most popular products at the moment also include outdoor furniture, above-ground swimming pools and raw materials such as wood. Hand tools and shelving are also popular,” Hollier added.

Aldo Busuttil, division manager from PM Pace similarly highlighted the popularity of DIY shelving systems, power tools and outdoor furniture.
“I can confirm...