Franchise Focus Business News…

Coinciding with Obama’s revelations that the US economy is gradually starting to recover, Barclaycard has published a report on the Easter weekend which shows a decrease in hotel and airfare sales; but an increase in sales at department and DIY stores and garden centres.

Sales in department stores are up an impressive 26 per cent in the four weeks coming up to Easter break. DIY and gardening sales also rose 18 per cent for the same period; while airlines, car rental and hotel sales were down during this period, when compared with last year (a fall of 25%, 17% and 8% respectively). It seems that more and more people are turning to DIY, and doing their own home repairs and improvements in an effort to reduce their expenditure.

Stewart Roberts, Business Development Director at Barclaycard said: “What we have seen this Easter is people spending their hard earned money on the comforts of home. Whether it be house improvements, planning their gardens or just enjoying a meal at home with the family, the reduction in travel spending affirms that consumers are staying closer to home in these turbulent times.”

Franchise Direct feature a number of retail franchise opportunities specializing in the home improvements industry, including window blinds retail franchise: Apollo Blinds; door, kitchen and bedroom supplier: Dream Doors and kitchen specialists: In-toto.