Report Summary

Period covered: 27 August - 30 September 2023

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.

DIY & Gardening Sales

DIY & Gardening sales fell xx% YoY in September according to the Retail Economics Retail Sales Index (value, non-seasonally adjusted).

ONS data shows the wider Household Goods category faced xx% YoY shop price inflation in August, pointing to a decline in sales volumes.

Indeed, sales volumes in the Household Goods category fell xx% in September, according to the ONS.

Tough macro backdrop

DIY & Gardening sales were weak in September as persistent cost-of-living pressures eroded demand for home improvements.

High borrowing costs, energy costs and a weakening labour market took a heavy toll on consumer confidence.

Although rising four points in September, GfK’s measure fell by sharp nine points to -30 in October, the steepest MoM decline since December 1994.

In addition, GfK’s Major Purchase Index fell by a worrying fourteen points to -34 in October, pointing to greatly subdued demand for non-essential DIY & Gardening products.

However, demand from high-income households for big-ticket and high end products, boosted by strong earnings growth in the professional services sector, remained steady in the month.

Indian summer supports gardening sales

September saw strong sales of gardening products, with positive overall YoY growth of xx%, according to the GCA.

Following poor weather in July and August, an unseasonal heatwave in the first week of September boosted gardening sales, particularly those of outdoor furniture, which had struggled over the summer months.

Relatively pleasant weather for the rest of the month resulted in robust sales of plants for autumn gardening.

The GCA further noted an uptick in early Christmas shopping, with Christmas products recording the highest increase in sales in September (xx%).

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Significant headwinds in the housing market