Builders’ Merchants’ December sales up on 2019

Sales to builders and contractors by Britain’s builders’ merchants in December were 8.8% higher than in December 2019, with total Q4 sales also up on Q4 2019, according to the latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report. Landscaping (+25.1) was the strongest category in December year-on-year.

Year-on-year
Total Builders Merchants value sales in Q4 2020 were up 5.4% compared to Q4 2019. Landscaping continued to perform well with sales up 22.9% on Q4 a year earlier, while Timber & Joinery sales grew by 12.7% over the same period. Sales in the Plumbing, Heating & Electrical category recovered least well (-6.0%).

Quarter-on-quarter
Total value sales in Q4 2020 were down on the previous quarter (July-September) by 10.8%, the result of a seasonal slowdown, another lockdown and five fewer trading days in Q4. Merchants sold less in all the main categories.

Month-on-month
Sales across all categories were down in December compared to November, for similar reasons. However, on a year-on-year basis, merchants’ December sales were up significantly. The two largest categories, Heavy Building Materials and Timber & Joinery Products, were up 6.2% and 20.3% respectively.

Year-to-date
Although year-to-date sales were lower than in 2019 due to the impact of Covid-19 closures, overall sales have recovered remarkably well. Over the full 12 months, merchants’ value sales in 2020 were 10.7% lower. The rate of recovery however, varied between product sectors. Tools (-20.2%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-19.1%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (-18.1%) have some way to go.

Index
The BMBI index for Q4 2020 was 111.1. Timber & Joinery Products (125.4) was the strongest category, followed by Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (116.0). The December & Q4 BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.