Report Summary

Period covered: 31 May – 04 July 2026

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 and gardening sales increased by xx% year-on-year in June, reversing the xx% decline recorded in the same month last year and marking another positive month for the sector.

The improvement came despite highly mixed conditions within the market, with DIY retailers benefiting from continued home maintenance activity while garden centres faced a much tougher trading environment.

Key trading themes and drivers

June's weather influenced almost every part of the sector, but not always in the same direction. The prolonged spell of hot, dry conditions encouraged consumers to spend more time outdoors and supported demand for home improvement projects, particularly those linked to outdoor living and property maintenance. That helped sustain DIY sales following a stronger housing market than had been seen earlier in the year.

Gardening businesses experienced a more difficult month. According to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), overall garden centre sales fell by xx% compared with June 2025, while gardening sales declined by xx%, as extreme temperatures, periods of rainfall earlier in the month and growing concern around temporary water restrictions all weighed on trading.

The HTA also reported lower customer visits and weaker sales across bedding plants, hardy plants and indoor plants, highlighting that exceptionally warm weather does not automatically translate into stronger gardening demand.

Macroeconomic backdrop

The wider economic environment became slightly more supportive during June as consumer price inflation eased to xx%, leaving households with greater flexibility than earlier in the year.

The Bank of England kept Bank Rate at xx%, leaving borrowing costs elevated for households with mortgages, credit balances or plans to finance larger purchases.

That continued to weigh on categories where online sales often depend on higher value transactions, including furniture, large electricals and home improvement.

Housing activity also remained subdued, with mortgage approvals falling to their lowest level since December 2023.

The increase in the energy price cap from 1st July will place renewed pressure on some household finances, with higher utility bills narrowing the spending headroom created by lower inflation and cheaper fuel.

Outlook

DIY benefited from conditions that encouraged consumers to invest time in their homes, whereas gardening retailers faced an unusually complex combination of extreme heat, changing weather patterns and uncertainty around water restrictions.

Growth will be harder to sustain as the effect of exceptional weather weakens, with greater agility needed to respond to unpredictable demand.

Strong headline growth for DIY and gardening masked two very different trading stories, making category mix and changing consumer priorities increasingly important when assessing the health of the sector.

Take out a FREE 30 day membership trial to read the full report.

Consumer confidence stable