BMBI reports Kitchens & Bathrooms lead merchant sales

Total sales were up 73.8% in June to August compared with the previous three months (March to May), with Kitchens & Bathrooms up 91.0%.

11 Nov, 20

The Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report shows builders’ merchants’ sales continuing to recover in August, but at a slower pace compared to the previous two months.

Kitchens & Bathrooms lead merchant sales

Total sales were up 73.8% in June to August compared with the previous three months (March to May), when many merchants had closed branches as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Six categories did better over this period, led by Tools (+124.1%). Kitchens & Bathrooms was up 91.0%.

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It follows a V bounce in sales, with Kitchens & Bathrooms the second fastest-growing category in July.

Total Merchants sales were 14.2% lower in August compared to July, which had three more trading days.

While all categories sold less, Kitchens & Bathrooms sales were least affected (-4.3%).

When adjusted for trading days, Kitchens & Bathrooms was ahead of all categories, with average sales a day up 10%.

Total builders merchants value sales in August were 3.9% lower than August 2019. However, daily sales were 0.9% above last year when adjusted for one less trading day.

Three categories did better, with Landscaping (+16.3%) the top performer. Kitchens & Bathrooms was down 7.5% compared to August last year.

August’s BMBI index was 113.3, with Landscaping (157.2) the strongest. The index for Kitchens & Bathrooms was 106.3.

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