U.S. – World market leader Home Depot increased its sales strongly in the third quarter (to 3 November).

The American DIY retailer recorded sales of USD 19.470 billion, or 7.4 per cent more than in the same period last year; the like-for-like figure was likewise 7.4%, or 8.2% in the USA. Against this background the company has upped its annual forecast, so that it now expects an increase of 5.6%, and 7.0% like-for-like.

Likewise Lowe’s, number two in the American DIY retail scene, also had clear sales growth to report in the third quarter (to 1 November). Compared with the same period last year, sales rose 7.3% to USD 12.957 billion; they made a 6.2% gain in like-for-like terms. In the same way as market leader Home Depot, Lowe’s has also increased its forecast for the full financial year and now expects 6% more than last year, or 5% more like-for-like.