Consumer spending in UK furniture stores rose by 1.8% in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to Barclays' latest Consumer Spending Index. However, this increase in value was offset by a 1.5% decline in transaction volume, indicating fewer but potentially larger purchases.
Home improvement and DIY stores also saw a modest 0.9% increase in spending, despite a 3.9% drop in transactions. Department stores reported a 3.2% fall in spending, though transaction growth edged up by 0.7%. Discount stores experienced a 3.1% decline in spending and a 2.7% fall in transactions. In contrast, garden centres recorded strong performance with a 13.4% rise in spending and a 6.8% increase in transaction volume, boosted by favourable weather.
Overall, total consumer card spending across all categories rose just 0.5% year-on-year in March, down from 1.0% in February and below the current CPIH inflation rate of 3.7%. Barclays attributed this cautious spending to growing financial concerns among consumers, with many anticipating higher household bills and the effects of global events.
Consumer confidence also declined. Confidence in household finances dropped from 75% in February to 70% in March, while confidence in the ability to live within means fell from 77% to 74%. As a result, 37% of adults reported trying to cut back on expenses, contributing to a 2.9% fall in essential spending, compared to a 1.0% decline in February.
Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, noted that while consumers are budgeting more cautiously, "warmer weather and longer evenings" encouraged spending on gardening and DIY, trends expected to continue ahead of Easter.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com