The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in December, reveal that total value sales by builders’ merchants across Great Britain 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.
Eleven of the 12 categories sold more in October compared to the previous year, with only timber and joinery products (-8.4%) selling less. Eight categories performed better than the merchants overall with renewables and water saving (+66.1%) the standout category. Plumbing, heating and electrical (+19.5%), work wear and safety wear (+19%) and kitchens and bathrooms (+17.5%) also had a good month.
Compared to pre-pandemic October 2019, total merchant value sales were +19.6% higher in 2022. Volume sales fell -8.9% while prices were +31.2% higher. With two fewer trading days this year, like-for-like sales were up +31%. Renewables and water saving (+59.5%), landscaping (+31.2%), timber and joinery products (+23.4%) and heavy building materials (+21.5%) all fared well.
Total sales in the three months August to October 2022 were +6.9% up on the same period last year, with price inflation of +14.7%, and volumes down -6.8%. Nine of the 12 categories sold more than merchants overall. Timber and joinery products (-9%) was the weakest category.
Month-on-month, total merchant sales dropped slightly (-0.9%) in October compared to September. Volume sales were also marginally down (-1.8%) and prices edged up (+0.9%). Plumbing, heating and electrical (+9.3%) grew most, while timber and joinery products (-1.5%) sold less.
