Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index report, published in April, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales were down -4.7% in February compared to the same month a year ago. Volume sales dropped -7.5%, while prices increased +3.1%. With an extra trading day this year, like-for-like sales were down -9.2%.
Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories sold more than February 2023 with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.3%) the leading category. Miscellaneous (+10.2%) and Decorating (+6.2%) also did better than merchants overall. But two of the largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-6.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (-7.9%) – were down. Renewables & Water Saving (-20.9%) was the weakest category.
However, February total value sales increased +4.8% compared to January 2024. Volume sales increased +8.1% and prices were down -3.1%. With one less trading day in February, like-for-like sales were up +9.7%. Eight of the categories sold more month-on-month with Landscaping (+17.0%) well ahead of the rest. Heavy Building Materials (+5.8%) and two small categories, Renewables & Water Saving (+7.1%) and Services (+6.6%) did better than total merchants. Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-2.1%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-4.2%) were the worst performers.
