According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 4.72% for the week ending 16 February 2025.

Homewares total LFLs jumped by +9.92% failing to offset a negative base of -13.54% for the same week in 2024, denoting the twelfth consecutive positive result for the category and maintaining its unbroken streak of positive outcomes in every week so far in 2025.

Store homewares sales climbed +9.43%, offsetting a negative base of -5.49% for the same week last year, representing the category’s third consecutive positive outcome and fifth since 2025 began.

Total store LFL sales slipped -1.84% from a negative base of -0.96% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales soared by +15.08% from a base of +2.78% for the same week in 2024.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Positive non-store sales results, which returned to double-digit growth this week, helped boost total LFL sales in a week that included St. Valentine’s Day.

“Possibly driven by gift shopping for St. Valentine’s Day, lifestyle sales returned to positive territory this week after falling last week, while fashion sales stayed healthy and homewares remained the best-performing segment for a fourth straight week.

“The week saw drier conditions with thick clouds for most, while some areas in the UK experienced bright interludes and short outbreaks of rainfall.

“During the same week last year, the UK saw mild weather with some rain and flooding in some parts.”

Overall, footfall declined by -9.0% this week with high street footfall seeing a sharp drop of -12.6%, followed by shopping centres with a decrease of -10.1% and retail parks with a slight fall of -0.1%.

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According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, furniture and lighting retail sales fell 2.6% to £1.45bn from £1.49bn in December. Compared to the previous year, sales were up 25% from £1.16bn.

Floorcovering retail sales increased month-on-month, up by 59.6% to £332.7m from £243m. Compared to the same time last year, sales rose by 36.9% from £208.4m.

Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 1.7% in January 2025. As for the value (amount spent), this was down 24% month-on-month to £45bn.

Non-food stores – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores – fell 1.3% over the month. Clothing retailers and household goods stores suggested the fall was because of reduced consumer confidence.

The amount spent online, known as “online spending values”, fell by 1.7% over the month to January 2025. It fell by 4.8% when comparing the three months to January 2025 with the three months to October 2024. However, sales values rose by 0.8% when comparing January 2025 with January 2024. Total spend – the sum of in-store and online sales – rose by 2.6% over the month. As a result, the proportion of sales made online fell from 26.9% in December 2024 to 25.7% in January.

Commenting on the retail sales figures for January, ONS Senior Statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Retail sales rebounded strongly in January following four months of consecutive falls. This was driven by a robust month for food sales, which saw their largest rise since March 2020. Supermarkets, alcohol and tobacco stores as well as specialist shops like butchers and bakers all reported strong trading.

“However, clothing shops and household goods stores had less of a successful month with retailers reporting lacklustre sales due to weak consumer confidence. Looking at the broader picture, retail sales have decreased across the three-month period and are below pre-pandemic levels.”

Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures, Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “2025 got off to a good start with retail sales managing to weather the stormy January. Retailers put on extensive promotions, and customers who were looking to upgrade their furniture and household electrical appliances made the most of the many bargains that there were to be had. But, with consumer expectations for the economy falling almost 40pts since July 2024 and an unsteady job market, the next few months are hard to predict.

“This boost to sales barely touches the sides of the £7bn in new costs from the Budget and packaging levy facing the industry this year. The industry is already paying more than its fair share of tax and with retailers already doing all they can to absorb existing costs, retailers will be left with little choice but to increase prices or reduce investment in jobs and shops, or both. To mitigate this, Government must ensure that its proposed business rates reform does not result in any shop paying higher rates than they already do.”

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According to the latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index, overall figures increased by two points to -20 in February. All measures were up in comparison to last month’s announcement.

The Major Purchase Index, which includes big ticket items such as furniture, is up three points to -17; this is eight points better than this month last year.

The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months is up two points to -44; this is one point lower than in February 2024.

The index measuring changes in personal finances during the last year is up three points at -7; this is seven points better than February 2024.

The Savings Index stayed at +30 in February; this is one point higher than this time last year.

Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director, NIQ GfK, says: “In contrast to last month when all five core measures were down, this month they are all up. The biggest improvement is in how consumers see their personal finances for the coming year with an increase of four points that takes this measure out of negative territory to +2.

“The Bank of England interest rate cut on February 6th will have brightened the mood for some people, but the majority are still struggling with a cost-of-living crisis that is far from over. Prices are still rising above the Bank of England’s target; gas and electricity bills remain a challenge for many households.

“So, it’s no surprise that consumer views on the general economic situation are still lower than 12 months ago, suggesting that people don’t expect the economy to show any dramatic signs of improvement soon. Politicians looking for bright spots on the horizon will be disappointed.”

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According to BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment data, consumer expectations over the next three months show the state of the economy worsened to -37 in February, down from -34 in January. This is the fifth consecutive month in which expectations have worsened.

Their personal financial situation dropped to -11 in February, down from -4 in January. Their personal spending on retail rose to -5 in February, up from -9 in January.

Their personal spending overall remained at +4 in February, the same as in January. Their personal saving remained at -3 in February, the same as in January.

Within the categories, consumer expectations over the same period for spending on home and garden furniture are down -10%, improving from -15% the previous month, while DIY and home improvements were also down by -1%, narrowing from -6%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “With many businesses warning of the impact that April’s employer NIC’s increase will have on hiring, and the rising energy price cap pushing up the cost of domestic bills, it is little surprise that many households are worried. And while there was a positive increase in expectations of personal retail spending, this may be largely driven by the expectations of higher prices in the future.

“Expectations of higher prices are not unfounded, with two-thirds of retailers saying prices will have to rise as a result of the £7bn in additional costs, including higher employer NICs and a new packaging levy. Almost half of retailers also warned of hiring freezes, with entry-level jobs often among the first to go as they seek any cost efficiencies to help them protect customers from the worst of the rising costs.

“As the Government bill on the future of business rates progresses through Parliament, it is essential that no shop ends up paying more in rates as a result of these reforms, otherwise retailers will face a triple whammy of Budget costs, business rates rises, and new packaging and recycling levies, all of which will filter through to consumer prices.”

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According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.0% in the 12 months to January 2025, up from 2.5% in the 12 months to December 2024. On a monthly basis, CPI fell by 0.1% in January 2025, compared with a 0.6% fall in January 2024.

The largest upward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates came from transport, and food and non-alcoholic beverages; the largest downward contribution to both came from housing and household services.

Furniture and furnishing prices rose by 0.5% in January, compared to a decline of 0.5% in December, while up from a 1.5% fall compared to the same month last year.

The retail price of household furniture increased by 0.7% in the month, up from a rise of 0.3%, while also up from a decline of 1.5% last year.

Garden furniture prices fell 11.3%, compared to a fall of 11.7% on last month and down from a rise of 0.2% compared to last year.

Carpets and other floorcoverings prices rose 0.6%, compared to a fall of 2.5% the previous month, while higher than the 0.5% decline last year.

Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices rise by 0.3%, lower than its rise of 0.6% the previous month, while down from a rise of 3.6% on last year.

Meanwhile, Producer Price Inflation (PPI) saw the rate of furniture output prices, factory gate, rise 1.7% in January on the same month in the previous year. The rate was lower than the rise of 2% in December. Furniture input prices, material cost of production, were up 0.8% on the same month last year, slightly up from the rise of 0.7% from the previous month.

Producer input prices fell by 0.1% in the year to January 2025, compared with a revised fall of 1.3% in the year to December 2024. Producer output (factory gate) prices rose by 0.3% in the year to January 2025, up from a revised fall of 0.1% in the year to December 2024. On a monthly basis, producer input prices rose by 0.8% and producer output (factory gate) prices rose by 0.5% in January 2025.

Commenting on the inflation figures for January, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation increased sharply this month to its highest annual rate since March last year. The rise was driven by air fares not falling as much as we usually see at this time of year, partly impacted by the timing of flights over Christmas and New Year. This was the weakest January dip since 2020.

“After falling this time last year, the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased, particularly meat, bread and cereals. Private school fees were another factor, as new VAT rules meant prices rose nearly 13% this month.”

Responding to the latest CPI inflation figures, Kris Hamer, Director of Insight of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Headline inflation rose to its highest point in almost a year, driven by rising food inflation and air fares. While the inflation rate of clothing and footwear increased, extensive discounting by retailers saw prices decreasing significantly on the month.

“The same was true for furniture and household equipment, which despite decreasing in price on the month, returned to inflation for the first time in ten months. Food inflation jumped significantly as retailers anticipated significant additional costs such as the changes to Employers’ National Insurance and increases to the National Living Wage, coming into force in April. There was however some good news as some key foods such as pasta, potatoes and olive oil did drop in price on the month.

“A rise in the headline rate of inflation to start 2025 is likely a sign of things to come given the £7 billion worth of additional costs the retail industry is facing this year. Prices are expected to rise across the board over the course of the year. If the government wishes to keep inflation under control, which would ease the burden on consumers, it should mitigate the huge cumulative costs facing the retail industry. Speeding up business rates reform or delaying new packaging taxes would help ease the pressure on prices for the rest of 2025.”

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According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 2.61% for the week ending 9 February 2025.

Homewares total LFLs increased by +6.90% from a base of +5.19% for the same week in 2024.

Total homeware sales have been positive in every week so far in 2025. Store homewares sales were positive for a second successive week, growing +7.45% and offsetting a negative base of -3.23% for the same week last year.

Non-store homewares sales were positive for a third week in a row, up +10.25% from a positive base of +6.91% for the same week last year. Non-store homewares sales have been positive for all but three of the past ten weeks.

Store LFL sales ticked up +0.35% from a base of +0.67% for the same week last year, while non-store sales, after stumbling into negative territory last week, grew +7.99%, from a base of +4.54% for the same week in 2024.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Homewares was the strongest performing category for the second successive week, owing to healthy store and non-store sales, while lifestyle returned negative store and non-store LFL sales figures.

“Total LFL sales have been positive for all but one of the last ten weeks. Store sales have been positive for five of the last ten weeks, and non-store sales have been positive for all but two weeks over the same period.

“This week, the UK experienced a mix of wet and windy conditions in the northwest, while the south and east remained drier with sunny spells.

“In contrast, the same week last year was notably warmer and wetter, contributing to the month being the warmest February on record for England and Wales.”

Overall, footfall fell by -1.2% this week, pulled down by high street traffic, which was down -3.0% compared to the same week last year. Retail park and shopping centre footfall ticked up this week by +0.9% and +0.5% respectively.

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According to Google search data analysed by Big Furniture Group, six days during January 2025 saw ‘furniture’ searches record an index score of 90 or more, while a score over 80 came in at 12 days. The highest searched date was 28 December with a full score 100.

Google index’s its search data to 100. This means where 100 is the maximum search interest for the term selected, it is the highest value and indicates a high internet search.

The results saw related searches of specific brand terms that included ‘furniture 123 reviews’, up 130%, ‘john lewis garden furniture’, up 130%, and ‘ikea garden furniture’, up 110%. Other popular terms included ‘garden furniture’, up 60%, ‘oak furniture land wardrobes’, up 450%, and ‘January furniture show’, up 200%, as well as ‘bramblecrest garden furniture’, up 250%. There were also other ‘garden furniture’ related searches such as ‘garden furniture sets’ and ‘wooden garden furniture’, while ‘grey bedroom furniture’ also proved popular.

Other search terms Big Furniture Group reviewed included mattresses, bedroom furniture, dining furniture, living room furniture, sofas, carpets and flooring.

Mattresses

Mattress searches recorded three peak dates with an index score value of 90 or more. The highest searched date was 5 January with a full score of 100. Related brand searches saw Emma– up 140%, Harrison Spinks, Visrping, OTTY, DFS, IKEA, Bensons for Beds and John Lewis. The term ‘how often should you change your mattress’ saw searches rise 150%, while ‘small double ottoman bed’ searches increased 70%, ‘Harrison Spinks mattress’ searches rose 50% and ‘dreamcloud luxury hybrid mattress’ saw an increase of 50%. Meanwhile, ‘best mattresses for side sleepers’ searches and ‘how long do memory foam mattresses last’ were breakout searches. Another popular term was ‘mattresses for adjustable beds’, which jumped 3,500%.

Bedroom furniture

Bedroom furniture searches recorded two days of peak activity with an index value over 90. The highest searched date was 18 January with a full score of 100. Popular brand searches included ercol, B&Q, Barker and Stonehouse, DFS, The Range, Cox & Cox, Bensons for Beds, Howdens, Wren, IKEA, John Lewis and Loaf – with the latter experiencing a rise of 3,350% in searches. The term ‘bedroom furniture sets’ rose 3,250%, while ‘john lewis wardrobes’ searches were up 2,450%. Other breakout searches included ‘children’s bedroom furniture sets uk’, ‘modular bedroom furniture’, ‘girls bedroom furniture set’, ‘industrial bedroom furniture’, ‘space saving bedroom furniture’ and ‘dark grey bedroom furniture’.

Dining furniture

Dining furniture searches recorded two days of peak activity with an index value over 90. The most searched date was 4 January, which scored a full 100. Popular brand searches included Homebase, The Cotswold Company, Furniture Village, Kettler, JYSK, Danetti, ercol, Heal’s, John Lewis, M&S, OKA and Oak Furnitureland. The terms ‘garden furniture’, ‘mango wood furniture’,  ‘rattan dining chair’, ‘marble dining table and 6 chairs’, ‘upholstered dining chairs’ and ‘scandinavian furniture’ were all breakout searches.

Living room furniture

Living room furniture saw two peak days during the month. The most searched day was 19 January that scored the full 100 score. Popular brand related searches included ScS, The Cotswold Company, Next, Dusk, B&M and Roseland. The terms ‘white gloss living room furniture’, ‘floating shelf’, ‘modern living ideas’, ‘coffee tables for living room’, ‘wall units for living room’, ‘grey living room furniture sets’, ‘floor lamps for living room’, ‘pine living room furniture’ and ‘3 piece living room furniture set’ were all breakout searches.

Sofas

Sofa searches saw six peak dates, with the highest score of 100 recorded on 19 January. Popular related brand searches included ScS, Next, Duresta, DFS, Parker Knoll, Kingcome, ercol, Sofas & Stuff, Neptune, Darlings of Chelsea, Tetrad, Fama, Heal’s and La-Z-Boy. Search terms included ‘garden sofa set’, up 70%, ‘outdoor sofa’, up 60% and ‘best sofa beds uk’, up by 60%. Other terms included ‘scs sofa bed’, up 60%, ‘L shape sofa bed’, up 60%, ‘sofas on finance’, up 150% and ‘beige sofas’ – up 70%. As for breakout searches, these included ‘dfs leather sofas clearance’, ‘laura Ashley furniture’ and ‘2 seater sofas under £200’.

Flooring & Carpets

Flooring searches saw seven days scoring over 90, with the highest date being 18 January, scoring the full 100. Carpet searches saw two days scoring over 90, with the highest date on 25 January scoring the full 100. Popular brand searches included Cormar Carpets, John Lewis, Tapi, Flooring Direct, Amtico, Flooring Hut and Abingdon Flooring. Popular search terms included ‘john lewis carpets’, up 250%, ‘buy carpet online’, up 200%, ‘hard wearing carpet’, up 140%, ‘light grey carpet’, up 120%, ‘grey carpet bedroom’, up 60%, and ‘stair runners’, up 50%. As for flooring, related searches included ‘fibre flooring’, up 50%, ‘best flooring for kitchen’, up 40%, ‘clearance vinyl flooring rolls’, up 120% and ‘luxury flooring and furnishings’, up 50%.

How can these stats help?

This data from Google indicates popular searches from multiple categories. Knowing what consumers are searching online can play an advantage into future promotions and general search behaviour. 

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According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £644.3m in December 2024, up 12.2% from £574.1m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered a decline of 3% to £278.6m from £287.4m. Imports from Italy were down 3.2% to £56.1m, while Polish imports fell 13% to £60.2m. Imports from Germany were up 3.2% to £39.1m.

As for outside the EU, total imports rose 27.6% to a value of £365.7m from £286.6m. Chinese imports were up 36.2% to £273.9m, while Vietnam rose by 3.4% to £16.9m. Imports from USA saw an increase of 12.1% to £15.7m and Moroccan imports rose 49% to £8m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country fell 36% to £197m from £307.9m year-on-year. In Europe, exports fell 54.3% to £79.2m from £173.5m. Exports to France increased 21% to £24.7m, while Irish exports were down 87.2% to £14.9m. Exports to the Netherlands rose 7.6% to £6m.

Outside the EU saw exports decrease 12.4% to £117.7m from £134.4m. Exports to China were up 58% to £6.9m, while India rose 228% to £3.8m. Exports to the UAE rose 60% to £10.9m, while the USA increased 28% to £53.6m and exports to Japan plummeted 95% to £1.8m.

Full list of imports and exports by country and value

For the monthly data and all other annual changes across four main sectors of the market – including upholstery, mattresses, cabinet and carpets, download the full report below.

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According to Salience Search Marketing’s annual sector report, which uncovers the industry’s leaders based on their online prominence and visibility, Dreams topped the chart. 

The report analysed 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness, for beds and mattresses companies, to reveal the industry’s most successful names. The full report is available to view here.

The UK’s Beds & Mattresses Sector Market Leaders

Overall, the report has revealed Dreams as the market leader in the UK’s beds and mattresses industry. The popular brand, known for its wide range of beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture, records an impressive organic traffic score of 567,560, indicating its strong online presence and consumer interest.

Bensons For Beds, specialising in beds, mattresses, and sleep solutions with a focus on comfort, ranks as another leading name in the sector with an organic traffic score of 490,670.

The Cotswold Company, another high-quality beds and mattress brand renowned for its classic wooden furniture, records an organic traffic score of 325,218 – ranking the company as another top brand. 

Happy Beds, known for offering affordable and stylish beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture, is also having a stellar moment, with an organic traffic score of 253,508.

Silentnight secures a spot in the top five, as the brand, renowned for its innovative and supportive mattresses designed for better sleep, records a 203,815 organic traffic score. 

Dusk, Emma Sleep, and Bed Kingdom boast impressive organic traffic scores, 154,710, 136,579, and 122,514, respectively, indicating market leading performance. 

Next Mattressman, known for offering a vast selection of mattresses and beds with fast delivery, records an organic traffic score of 108,833. Finally, Bed Factory Direct, a specialist in custom-made beds and mattresses, rounds off the top ten with an organic traffic score of 103,535.

Brett Janes, Managing Director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “By analysing the market leaders in the beds and mattresses industry, we can identify the brands that succeed through well-planned strategies, ensuring strong digital visibility.

“Brands like Dreams and Bensons For Beds demonstrate this, ranking among the top names in the sector. It will be interesting to observe how each brand develops and performs over the next twelve months.”

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According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the rate of furniture production rose by 1.3% compared to November, while falling 0.8% on December last year.

Production output is estimated to have grown by 0.5% in December 2024, following a revised fall of 0.5% in November 2024. The December 2024 growth was a result of a 0.7% growth in manufacturing and a 1.5% growth in mining and quarrying. Production fell by 0.8% in the three months to December 2024, driven by a decline in manufacturing output.

Meanwhile, the value of the manufacture of furniture for December resulted at £667.3m, down 22.5% from £862m in November. Against the same period last year, the value rose 3.6% from £644m.

As for the value of furniture manufacturer exports, this increased 2.7% to £45.1m for the month from £43.9m. Against last year, exports value fell 48.9% from £88.4m.

The value of domestic furniture manufacture decreased 23.9% to £622.2m from £818.1m in the month, while up 11.9% from £555.6m last year.

Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 0.4% in December 2024, largely because of growth in the service sector, following an unrevised growth of 0.1% in November 2024.

Commenting on the GDP figures for December, ONS Director of Economic Statistics Liz McKeown said: “The economy picked up in December after several weak months, meaning, overall, the economy grew a little in the fourth quarter of last year. Across the quarter, growth in services and construction were partially offset by a fall in production. GDP per head, in contrast, fell back slightly in the quarter.  

“In December wholesale, film distribution and pubs and bars all had a strong month, as did manufacturing of machinery and the often-erratic pharmaceutical industry. However, these were partially offset by weak months for computer programming, publishing and car sales.” 

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According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 1.69% for the week ending 2 February 2025.

Total homewares LFL sales jumped by +8.98% this week from a base of +4.40% for the same week last year, representing the category’s tenth consecutive positive outcome.

Store sales saw an uptick of +11.22% from a negative base of -2.25% for the same week last year, representing the category’s fourth positive outcome in the last six weeks.

Total in-store LFL ticked up by +3.84% from a base of -1.17% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales dipped by -4.15% from a base of +6.97% for the same week last year.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “This week’s total LFL sales outcome was boosted by positive in-store sales results realised across all retail segments, while total non-store dropped for the first time in the last five weeks.

“Homewares saw a significantly positive outcome this week, leading the LFL sales growth stats for all segments both in-store and non-store.

“This week’s saw the UK’s weather gradually turning drier following wet conditions caused by Storm Éowyn in the week prior, although it was damp and slightly wet for some, but predominantly clear.

“During the same week last year, the weather was chilly and cloudy in most parts, while northern areas experienced wetness and strong winds from Storm Ingunn.”

Overall footfall rose by +2.2% compared to the same week last year. Footfall increased by +0.7% on the high street, while it grew by +4.0% in shopping centres and +3.6% in retail parks.

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According to the latest Barclays Consumer Spending Index, which includes both debit and credit cards, furniture store spending growth increased 0.5%, while transaction growth was up 1.5% against the same month last year.

Home improvement and DIY stores saw spending growth fall 2.1%, with transaction growth down 5.2%. Department stores saw spending growth decrease 0.2%, with transaction growth up by 1.9%. Discount stores saw an increase of 1.4% in spend growth, while transaction growth was up 1.1%, and Garden centres experienced a decrease of 0.8% in spend growth and a decline of 1.5% in transaction growth.

Credit and debit card spending grew 1.9% year-on-year in January – the highest uplift since March 2024, but remaining lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.2%. Despite falling consumer confidence in the UK economy, down five percentage points to 21%, non-essential spending grew 2.7%, led by the resilient performance of entertainment, health & beauty and digital content & subscriptions.

Spending on essential items returned to growth in January, up 0.1%, after four consecutive months of decline. Supermarket spending also increased for the first time since August 2024, up 1% year-on-year.

Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “January’s figures are a positive signal that non-essential spending should remain strong in 2025. Despite expressing economic uncertainty and a cost-cutting mindset, shoppers are continuing to prioritise the things love – entertainment, wellness and evenings with family and friends.

“Social media is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions – whether it’s a trending beauty product or a must-visit holiday destination. Looking ahead to February, which brings Valentine’s Day and half term for schools, it’s likely we’ll see more of this careful balancing act, with people continuing to seek out deals and discounts to enjoy the good times without breaking the bank.”

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According to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, UK Total retail sales increased by 2.6% year on year in January, against a growth of 1.2% in January 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 1.1% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.8%.

Food sales increased by 2.8% year on year in January, against a growth of 6.1% in January 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 2.3% and below the 12-month average growth of 3%.

Non-Food sales increased by 2.5% year on year in January, against a decline of 2.8% in January 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 0.2% and above the 12-month average decline of 1.1%.

In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 2.6% year on year in January, against a decline of 2% in January 2024. This was above the 3-month average decline of 0.7% and above the 12-month average decline of 1.7%.

Online Non-Food sales increased by 2.2% year on year in January, against a decline of 4.2% in January 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 1.8% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.1%.

The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) decreased to 35.7% in January from 35.8% in January 2024. This was below the 12-month average of 36.7%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Consumers headed to the shops to refresh their homes for the year ahead, taking advantage of big discounts on furniture, bedding and other home accessories. With growth across nearly all categories, only toys and baby equipment remained in decline. While the bouts of stormy weather put a temporary dampener on demand, sales growth held up well throughout the rest of the month. This was also helped by the earlier start of the reporting period, adding a few more post-Christmas shopping days into the mix.

“Whether this strong performance can hold out for the coming months is yet to be seen. Inflationary pressures are rising, compounded by £7bn of new costs facing retailers, including higher employer national insurance contributions, higher National Living Wage, and a new packaging levy. Many businesses will be left with little choice but to increase prices, and cut investment in jobs and stores. Government can mitigate this by ensuring its proposed business rates reforms do not result in any shop paying more in business rates.”

Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said: “2025 got off to a welcome start for retailers with much needed sales growth in January.  But viewed over a three-month period that included Christmas and Black Friday, non-food sales have flatlined.  Overall, the golden quarter failed to shine.

“The trading environment remains tough for retailers, with consumer demand still subdued and household essential bills still high.  Business costs are also coming under pressure, with rising employment costs only increasing that in the coming months.  Boardroom focus on costs and competitiveness is sharpening.  Pricing adjustments, product launches, store closures, job losses, and increased automation and AI are all set to reshape the retail landscape in 2025.”

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IKEA Sleep Uncovered – IKEA’s largest global study surveying over 55,000 people across 57 countries – reveals Mainland China has the highest score for sleep quality, with Norway having the lowest, and USA second to last.

The report pulls back the covers on our nighttime habits, highlighting the barriers to achieving quality sleep and offering insights and solutions to help everyone enjoy their dream rest.

Mainland China is the only market where people consistently average over 7 hours of sleep per night. Meanwhile, 64% of respondents in Egypt rate their sleep quality as good – the highest percentage of all countries surveyed. Conversely, those in the USA report the most disrupted sleep among all 57 countries, citing obstacles such as disrupted routines, screen time before bed and stress.

Globally there is a shared longing for more rest. On average, people miss out on 1 hour and 20 minutes of sleep each night, equating to over 20 full days of lost rest annually. While most individuals sleep for 6 hours and 40 minutes, they aspire to reach nearly 8 hours.

It’s little surprise, given the report finds that 70% of people view sleep as one of life’s greatest joys. Over half (58%) even prefer staying in and sleeping to going out and socialising.

“By understanding the needs in well-rested markets, we can uncover simple, universal ways to ensure better sleep. Whether it’s bedtime consistency, decluttered spaces, or better sleep environments, listening to these insights are key to creating better lives at home. At IKEA, Life at Home is a continuous dialogue with our customers. Considering their needs, we craft solutions that reflect their realities – transforming challenges like sleep inequality into opportunities for better everyday living. Our goal is to empower the many to create restful, functional spaces where they can truly thrive,” said Belén Frau, Global Communications Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group).

Wired Awake

The report reveals an alarming dependence on sleep medication, with 1 in 5 (19%) people globally reliant on drugs to help them sleep, and 1 in 20 (5%) medicating daily. Almost 1 in 10 (8%) of those surveyed suffer from insomnia.

Over a quarter (28%) of people rate their sleep quality as poor, and a fifth (19%) wake up more than twice a night. A similar number (18%) wake up feeling tired almost every day.

Over a third (36%) of people globally say they need more money to improve their sleep, underscoring the link between financial well-being and rest.

Stress & Screen Time Impacts Sleep

Stress, anxiety, and overthinking is the main reason (40%) why people are losing sleep. And while it takes most people an average of 24 minutes to drift off, 7% report taking over an hour.

Screens are deeply ingrained in bedtime routines, despite fears over their impact on sleep quality. Three quarters (72%) of people use their phones in the bedroom, soaring to 86% among 18-24-year-olds – the group most likely to worry about the amount of sleep they get. Laptops, tablets, and TVs are also bedtime staples: 24% use laptops in bed, and 39% watch TV before sleep.

The IKEA Sleep Formula: Assembling Better Rest

To turn insights into action, IKEA partnered with mathematician Dr Tom Crawford from the University of Oxford to create the IKEA Sleep Formula – a tool designed to help anyone evaluate and improve their sleep. Based on data from the report, the formula combines five key variables including comfort, stress, wellbeing, vices and schedule to provide a personalised blueprint for better rest.

“Stress and wellbeing are key factors in whether we have a good night’s sleep, and the formula brings this to life. By scoring factors like exercise, diet, social connection, work, and finances, you see where you stand. New habits can boost your sleep score by up to 75 points, with simple changes like exercising more, eating well, and staying socially connected. For a quick win, maximize ‘comfort’ by reducing light and noise, use a cozy duvet, and setting the right temperature. These small tweaks alone can improve your sleep score by 37 points,” said Dr Tom Crawford of the University of Oxford.

Sleep Inequality

The study’s IKEA Sleep Score, a measure of sleep quality from 1 to 100 based on five factors, reveals stark inequalities among certain groups. The LGBTQ+ community (57), financially insecure individuals (54), people with disabilities (56), and women with young children (59) score far below the global average (vs 63). People who share bedrooms with multiple individuals also sleep worse than those who sleep alone or with a partner.

Material Matters

The study reveals that material and environmental factors significantly influence the quality of sleep we experience. Most people are satisfied with their bedding, sleepwear, bedroom storage (70%), and room temperature (72%). A clutter-free space also plays a crucial role, with 66% of respondents stating that a tidy room improves their sleep.

“Insights are at the heart of IKEA innovation, and we know that living in shared or small spaces is a reality for many, especially in urban areas. Often, sleeping and daily activities happen in the same room and for those with a separate bedroom, it often doubles as storage, workspace, or play area. This makes it difficult to create a restful environment, and clutter only adds to the challenge, disrupting the sense of calm needed for quality sleep,” says Jasper Wuts, Range Insights Manager at IKEA of Sweden. “By better understanding these realities around the globe, we can apply these learnings and design products that address real challenges”.

Tips for a better nights of sleep

The report also offers practical tips to help everyone sleep better:

1. Stick to a routine: Have regular bedtimes and wake up times, even on weekends.
2. Max out on natural light: Get lots of daylight during the day to help regulate your body clock.
3. Build a sleep sanctuary: Create a clutter-free, cosy space with comfortable bedding and dim lighting.
4. Unwind your mind: Do breathing exercises or meditation to relax. 
5. Have good habits: Enjoy rituals, like a hot bath, which can help signal to your brain it’s bedtime. 
6. Don’t look at screens: Drift off with audiobooks or podcasts instead.
7. Mind your diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine or alcohol near bedtime.
8. Get physical during the day: Regular physical activity promotes better sleep.
9. Don’t force it: Let go of sleep pressure, focus on relaxation instead.
10. Look at the big picture: Aim for consistent, realistic rest rather than perfect nights.

IKEA Sleep Uncovered

One of the largest sleep studies ever undertaken, the report surveyed 55,221 participants across 57 markets, with fieldwork conducted between 13th August 2024 and 20th September 2024. The report provides new insights into global sleep habits and reflects IKEA’s vision to help create a better everyday life for the many people.

More information at https://www.ikea.com/global/en/our-business/reports/sleep-report-2025-250210/.

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According to BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor for January 2025, Total UK footfall increased by 6.6% in January (YoY), up from -2.2% in December.

High Street footfall increased by 4.5% in January (YoY), up from -2.7% in December. Retail Park footfall increased by 7.9% in January (YoY), up from 0.0% in December. Shopping Centre footfall increased by 7.4% in January (YoY), up from -3.3% in December.

Footfall increased year-on-year in all four UK nations, with Wales improving by 8.5%, England by 7.4%, Northern Ireland by 3.5%, while Scotland improved by 1.0%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Store visits increased substantially in the first week of the month as many consumers hit the January sales in their local community, with shopping centres faring particularly well. Despite snowy weather and Storm Eowyn causing disruption in some areas, footfall was still positive across major UK cities over the whole month.

“Improved shopper traffic is welcome news for high streets following a particularly difficult ‘Golden Quarter’ to end 2024, and low consumer sentiment to start the year. Retailers want to invest more in stores and staff to enhance the shopping experience for customers and help to grow the economy, but the swathe of additional costs from April will limit investment and lead to job losses and higher prices at the tills.

“To drive growth in communities across the country, the government must ensure costs are limited in other areas. This can be done by delaying packaging taxes and ensuring that business rates reform leaves no shop paying more than they currently do.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented: “After a dreary December, retailers will welcome January’s footfall jump.  The uptick was boosted by a very strong Week 1, helped in part by New Year’s Day falling on a Wednesday, which may have prompted ambient store traffic as consumers bolted on additional days of leave, as well as retailers extending post-Christmas discounting well into January. 

“Not even the significant disruption from Storm Eowyn was enough to dampen overall footfall performance. While welcome, after months of erratic and constrained footfall, the jury’s out as to whether January’s store performance signals the start of a sustained High Street revival or if it will be a flash in the pan come February.

“And, even if shopper traffic recovery has finally turned a corner, the challenge for retailers will be solving the next conundrum; how they balance enhanced footfall – which requires optimised store staffing to convert into sales – and the significant rises to labour costs borne out of the Budget on the one hand, with consumer appetite for discounts – a long-term margin-eroder – on the other, which will not be an easy circle to square.”

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