BMBI Reports

Q2 value sales up +7.6% on Q1, with volume up +11.3% and prices down -3.3%

Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants climbed +7.6% in Q2 2023 compared to January to March 2023. Growth came from stronger volumes (+11.3%) as prices were -3.3% lower. With four less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were +14.8% higher in April to June than Q1.

Merchant value sales fall again in May

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report shows builders’ merchants’ value sales down by -6.0% in May compared to the same month in 2022. Volume sales fell -15.1% with price inflation of +10.8%. With one less trading day in May 2023, like-for-like sales were -1.3% lower.

Eight of the twelve categories sold more this year than in May 2022. Renewables & Water Saving (+41.8%) grew the most, followed by Decorating (+10.2%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+5.9%). Landscaping (-13.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-18.2%) were the weakest.

Merchant value sales fall -9.0% in April as volumes drop -20.2%

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report shows builders’ merchants’ value sales down by -9.0% in April compared to the same month in 2022. Volume fell -20.2% with price inflation of +14.0%. Taking trading day differences into account, like-for-like sales were -4.0% lower as April 2023 had one less trading day than the same month in the previous year.

Q1 2023 sales drop -2.3% as volumes tumble -16.4%

Total value sales data from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants shows Q1 2023 recorded a -2.3% drop in year-on-year growth, with volume sales falling -16.4% countered by +16.9% price inflation.

With one more trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were -3.8% lower.

Nine of the 12 categories sold more in Q1 2023 compared to the previous year with Renewables & Water Saving starting the year in pole position (+42.3%). Workwear & Safetywear (+14.9%), Decorating (+13.9%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+12.8%) also performed well. Services (-4.5%), Timber & Joinery Products (-15.3%) and Landscaping (-18.3%) all sold less.

Marginal value growth in year-on-year merchant sales in February

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +0.8% in February compared to the same month in 2022. This growth was driven exclusively by price inflation (+14.9%) as volume sales fell -12.2%. There was no difference in trading days.

January merchant sales marginally up but volumes still down year-on-year

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +0.2% in January 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. This nominal growth came largely from inflation as volume sales were down -16.5% while prices rose +19.9%. With an extra trading day this January, like-for-like sales were -4.6% lower.

Merchants see nominal growth (+1.4%) in November, with falling volumes (-13.6%) and climbing prices (+17.3%)

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +1.4% in November 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. This was inflation-led growth as volume sales tumbled -13.6% while prices climbed +17.3%.

October Merchant sales climb +7.5%, but inflation’s still driving growth

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +7.5% in October 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. Volume sales dropped again (-5.6%) while prices climbed +13.9%, so price inflation was the driving factor of growth.