Report Summary

Period covered 29 September – 26 October 2024

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 contracted xx% YoY in October, according to the Retail Economics Retail Sales Index (value, non-seasonally adjusted).

The sector has now been in consistent decline since June 2023 (+xx%).

Factors impacting the headline performance in the month include:

Energy-driven inflation: Inflation edged up to xx% YoY in October, driven by an increase in energy bills at a time when winter fuel payments are being cut. This added £xx annually to household energy bills, reducing disposable income for discretionary purchases.

Budget jitters: Speculation around tax rises and fiscal measures in the Autumn Budget dampened demand for non-essential spending, with GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index falling to -xx, its lowest since March.

Holding out for promotions: Many shoppers also held back spending in October in anticipation of upcoming Christmas and Black Friday promotions.

Half-term timing: A later-than-usual October half-term this year deferred associated retail spending into November.

Storm Ashley: The arrival of Storm Ashley on 20 October delivered heavy rain and strong winds, which supported online sales, but impacted demand for outdoor projects.

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DIY & Gardening sales declined in October