COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) - Consumer reticence and the mixed weather have spoiled business for DIY stores and garden centers in Germany at the start of the year. Sales in the first quarter were 8.6 percent below the previous year's level at just under 4.5 billion euros, according to the German DIY, Construction and Garden Trade Association on Friday.

"Weather effects regularly affect our industry," said BHB chief executive Peter Wüst. "If the dreary weather then coincides with dwindling purchasing power due to inflation among customers, the corresponding effects unfortunately do not fail to materialize."

The decline was most pronounced in sales of garden furniture, which fell by more than 32 percent. Garden equipment and tools also sold less well. There were increases in the first only with autozubehor and household goods.

BHB board spokesman Peter Tepaß hopes for an improvement in the course of the year - not least because of the return to declining inflation. Although prices will remain at a high level, he does not see any further dramatic increases./rea/DP/ngu