Quick Fixes in Home Improvement: A Trend Retailers Can’t Afford to Ignore

For years, the home improvement industry has been defined by durability, craftsmanship, and the promise of “doing the job right.” These principles resonate deeply with seasoned homeowners and professionals. However, there’s a seismic shift happening, driven by younger generations of consumers who are reshaping the market with a different set of priorities. It’s time for retailers to pay attention.

The Rise of the Quick Fix Consumer

The oldest Millennials are now in their early 40s, with many of them firmly established as homeowners. This generation, along with the younger Gen Z cohort, draws inspiration from platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. These platforms celebrate creativity, speed, and aesthetics over permanence, giving rise to a massive appetite for products that enable quick and easy transformations. Self-adhesive tiles, stick-on skirting boards, wire-free battery lights, worktop covers, and wall panel-effect wallpaper have exploded in popularity.

These products dominate social media feeds and thrive on online marketplaces, appealing to consumers who prioritize convenience and visual impact, even if the solution is temporary. The mindset is clear: if a product looks good and works well enough for now, it’s worth the investment.

The Challenge for Traditional Retailers

While this trend is gaining momentum, many traditional home improvement retailers have been slow to adapt. Retailers continue to prioritize “professional grade” products or solutions meant to last decades. This focus, while valuable to certain customer segments, risks alienating the growing demographic that craves instant gratification. In fact, online home improvement purchases in 2024, reach an all-time high of nearly 29%.

By deprioritizing quick-fix categories, retailers are missing out on a burgeoning market opportunity. These products aren’t just niche anymore; they’re evolving into mainstream must-haves, thanks to influencers, viral DIY content, and shifting consumer expectations. The risk for traditional retailers is clear: if they don’t embrace this trend, they’ll cede market share to online-first brands and marketplaces that already understand and cater to this audience.

The Opportunity to Lead, Not Follow

For retailers willing to adapt, the quick-fix trend offers immense potential. Here’s how they can seize the opportunity:

1. Reevaluate Assortments: Retailers can begin by expanding their assortments to include trendy, fast-installation, and visually appealing products. Categories like adhesive decor, peel-and-stick solutions, and easy-to-install lighting can be curated for both in-store and online shoppers. We’re hearing more and more from regional and independent retailers seeking to track marketplace “best sellers” to proactively inform product assortment changes.
2. Engage with Social Trends: Showcasing quick-fix solutions on social platforms can drive awareness and inspire consumers to visit their stores. Retailers should consider creating dedicated sections—both physically and digitally—that cater to the DIY, quick-fix aesthetic.
3. Innovative Pricing Strategies: The pricing of quick-fix solutions needs to balance affordability with perceived value. Bundling these products into kits or offering discounts on complementary items can encourage larger basket sizes. One Wiser customer – a regional home improvement chain - has adopted a segmented approach to pricing, classifying products and bundles into high- and low-velocity categories, where high-velocity SKUs are priced one way and the long tail of SKUs, another. They also use this data to onboard new suppliers to assess who else sells the product and at what price, to determine margin potential for new products.
4. Educate Consumers: While these solutions are temporary, educating shoppers on how to maximize their effectiveness can drive loyalty. Tutorials, workshops, or online guides on installing and maintaining quick-fix products can position retailers as trusted advisors.

A Subtle Reminder: Data Can Be a Game-Changer

To capitalize on this trend effectively, understanding consumer behavior is essential. By leveraging real-time data from solutions like Wiser on pricing trends, competitor assortments, and consumer demand, retailers can fine-tune their strategies and stay ahead of the curve. While quick fixes are a trend, data-driven decision-making ensures retailers can address shifts in demand swiftly and confidently.

Embrace the Shift

The quick-fix trend isn’t a passing phase—it’s a reflection of evolving consumer priorities. By recognizing and embracing these changes, home improvement retailers can remain relevant and competitive. The key is to act now: adapt assortments, experiment with pricing, and engage with customers where they are most inspired—on social media and in the aisles. Those who do will find themselves not just keeping up with the trend but leading the charge.