The Rise of the Online Marketplace in Home Improvement

The home improvement industry is at a crossroads, shaped by a digital landscape that continues to grow exponentially. In the first half of 2024, this sector has seen a significant transition to online sales, which now account for 37% of the industry's total market share. It's a pivot that reflects the broader narrative of our times—a world where convenience, speed, and choice reign supreme.

This digital transformation has been led by generalist retailers—Amazon, Walmart, and Costco—who collectively now drive 41% of home improvement sales. Their ascent signals a shift in consumer spending toward platforms that provide a wide range of products at competitive prices.

The spotlight is on Amazon's particularly strong performance – it saw a 3.2 percentage point increase in market share year over year – which is a clear indicator of its expanding influence. Their strategy for gaining in home improvement categories has been a masterclass in leveraging their strength in kitchen and dining, and expanding their portfolio to capture the growing online consumer base.

Amazon’s growth has put it into direct competition with Home Depot, the category leader.

As Home Depot and Amazon continue their titanic struggle, the question arises: is there room for both to thrive, or must one inevitably outdo the other? The answer may lie in the evolving preferences of consumers, who increasingly value both the convenience of online shopping and the tangible benefits of in-store experiences.

Their competition drives innovation, compelling both companies to continuously improve their offerings and customer service. As they adapt to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements, both Home Depot and Amazon are shaping the future of retail in the home improvement sector. 

What does this mean for the consumer? Choice and convenience have become the new currency. The digital age has brought with it the ease of comparing prices and products from the comfort of one's home. The impact on consumer behavior is profound, with a marked preference for the comprehensive online shopping experience over traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

For brands, the changing landscape presents a double-edged sword. On one side, the online marketplace offers an opportunity to reach a wider audience more efficiently. On the other, the competition has become fiercer. Home Depot and Lowe's, despite their stronghold in lumber, bathroom plumbing, appliances, and landscaping, have seen slight declines in market share, indicating that no brand is immune to the tidal wave of digital disruption.

In a surprising twist, smaller home improvement players have shown resilience and growth. Brands like Sherwin Williams, Ace, and Harbor Freight have seized the opportunity to carve out their niches, demonstrating that a focus on specialty products can still find success in a market dominated by generalist behemoths.

Each player in the home improvement market has its strengths, strategies, and vision, but it’s clear the industry's future will be defined by the ability of brands to adjust to a digital-first model, integrating innovative e-commerce strategies with traditional retailing principles.

As the industry continues to navigate this digital evolution, the key takeaway is adaptability. Brands must not only be present online but excel in the digital arena to capture the evolving consumer base. The question now is not whether to embrace online retail, but how quickly and effectively brands can pivot to meet these new consumer demands.

Read YipitData’s FY24 State of the Home Improvement report to further unpack changing dynamics in the home improvement industry.

Need SKU-level insights for your category?