Furniture store card spending in the UK declined in March 2026, reflecting continued pressure on consumer demand across discretionary retail sectors, according to new Barclays data.
The latest Barclays Consumer Spending Index shows furniture store spending fell by 2.9% year-on-year, with transaction volumes down 2.2%. The downturn comes as broader economic uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures continue to influence household purchasing behaviour.
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Home improvement and DIY retailers also recorded declines, with spending down 2.5% and transactions falling 4.2%. In contrast, department stores saw modest growth of 0.5%, while garden centres posted a 2% rise in spending, suggesting selective resilience in certain home and lifestyle categories.
Overall UK consumer card spending rose by 0.9% compared with March 2025, but this lagged behind inflation, which stood at 3.4%. Essential spending returned to growth as rising fuel costs impacted household budgets, while discretionary spending slowed to 1.1%, with travel spending falling for the first time since 2021.
Barclays' Head of Retail, Karen Johnson, noted a continued tension between consumer sentiment and actual spending patterns, with households remaining cautious but still prioritising key purchases where possible. The data highlights an ongoing balancing act as shoppers navigate inflationary pressures while maintaining spending in selected categories.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
