Total value of sales from Britain’s builders’ merchants grew by 7.6% in April to June over Q1 but four fewer trading days in the period took like-for-like sales to +14.8%, according to the latest Builders’ Merchants Building Index.
The growth is attributed to stronger volumes (+11.3%) as prices were -3.3% lower in the quarter.
Six of the twelve categories had higher value sales, with seasonal category Landscaping (+47.3%) out in front, followed by Heavy Building Materials (+9.0%). Timber & Joinery Products (+2.1%) grew more slowly than merchants overall, while Plumbing Heating and Electrical (-12.2%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-12.7%) were the weakest categories.
Value sales increased in nine of the 12 categories in Q2 2023 compared to the previous year with Renewables & Water Saving (+44.4%) significantly ahead of the rest. Decorating (+12.3%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+9.1%) and Ironmongery (+6.1%) also increased, and Heavy Building Materials (+0.5%) showed marginal value gain. Timber & Joinery Products (-16.3%) and Landscaping (-12.4%) both saw significant declines.
