According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), at £8.8 billion, total industry turnover and order intake for furniture for May were up on April’s figure by 7.6% but down on May last year by 3%.

The furniture production index shows a larger annual fall of 12.6%.

Later figures for June:

The annual rise in the retail price of household furniture for the domestic market recorded its lowest rate (at 6.2%) of growth since April 2021.

There was no change in the rate of growth of factory gate prices. In June, prices were up on that month last year by 10.4%.

Furniture input costs have fallen for the first time since September 2020, recording a drop of 1.6% in June this year compared to that month last year.

According to the ONS index, average weekly furniture (and lighting) retail sales values were up by 8.1% in June compared to June last year and better than the previous month of +3%. June saw the best monthly performance since December last year.

The amount bought (volume) reversed its negative trend experienced since December last year, recording a rise of 2.9%.

The monthly amount spent by consumers in June amounted to £1.65 million. This was the highest spend since December last year and 8.5% up on the same month in 2022.