The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in July, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in May were down -5.2% year-on-year. Volume sales fell -7.0% and prices edged up +2.0%. With one more trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were down -9.7%.
Year-on-year
Nine of the twelve categories performed better in May, year-on-year, than Total Merchants, with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.8%), Decorating (+3.7%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+2.0%) doing best. Two of the largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-6.9%) and Heavy Building Materials (-7.7%) – declined more than Total Merchants. Renewables & Water Saving was the weakest category (-37.1%).
Last three months
Total sales in the three months March to May 2024 were -5.2% lower than the same three-month period in 2023. Volume sales were down -5.8% and prices were slightly up (+0.6%). With one more trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were -6.7% lower. Six of the twelve categories sold more with Workwear & Safetywear (+14.4%) growing the most. Renewables & Water Saving (-29.3%) was the weakest performing category.
Month-on-month
May total value sales were +3.0% higher than April. Volume sales increased +2.2% and prices were marginally higher (+0.8%) month-on-month. Half of the twelve categories sold more, with two of the largest categories – Landscaping (+12.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (+3.7%) – leading the pack. Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-5.8%) and Renewables & Water Saving (-18.4%) sales contracted the most.
Rolling 12 months
In the 12 months from June 2023 to May 2024 total merchant sales were -4.5% lower than the same period the year before (June 2022 to May 2023). Volume sales slumped -8.9% while prices rose +4.8%. With six extra trading days in the most recent 12-month period, like-for-like value sales were down -6.8%. Workwear & Safetywear (+9.5%), Decorating (+7.1%) and Miscellaneous (+5.4%) did best. But two of the three largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-5.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-10.2%) – sold less.
For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk
