Consumer card spending in UK furniture stores fell 0.7% year-on-year in December 2025, according to Barclays. Transaction growth also declined slightly, by 0.2%. Home improvement and DIY stores saw sharper drops, with spending down 6.4% and transactions down 9.7%, while department and discount stores also recorded declines. Garden centres were an exception, with a 2.5% rise in spending.
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Overall, consumer card spending decreased 1.7% annually, outpaced by CPIH inflation of 3.5%, marking the largest annual fall since February 2021. Confidence in household finances, job security, and non-essential spending showed modest recovery. Barclays' Karen Johnson noted that shoppers will increasingly prioritise value for money in 2026, focusing on loyalty schemes and budget options, while wellness, beauty, and fitness sectors are expected to benefit from shifting consumer priorities.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
