Compared with 2019, Builders Merchants sold 1.2% fewer products in August this year than they had in 2019, but such is the level of inflation that the income from those sales was 30% higher.
The figures come from the latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), which tracks builders merchants’ actual sales using GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data.
The report shows inflation is still climbing.
Compared with last year, the value of sales in August this year were up 10%, although the number of sales was down 4.2%, showing price inflation at 14.8% on the year.
Apart from timber & joinery, which was down 5.7%, every category saw the value of sales increase. The greatest increases came from Renewables & Water Saving (+27.3%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+26.9%).
Compared with August 2019, Timber & Joinery Products led the value growth (+39.9%). Landscaping was next (+35.8%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms third (+30.5%). The value of Heavy Building Materials was up 29.6%, Plumbing while Heating & Electrical sales were up 18.2%.