The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI), published in July, reveal that year-on-year builders’ merchants’ value sales are on an upward trajectory, as the industry continues to meet sustained high demand for building products. Timber and joinery products continue to lead the field.
YEAR-ON-YEAR
Total builders’ merchants’ value sales were up 79.6% in May 2021 compared to May 2020 with no difference in trading days. Six categories more than doubled their year-on-year sales, including timber and joinery products (+115.1%). Tools was the top performer (+180%).
The country was still in full lockdown in May last year, so significant increases are expected. However, total sales were also up compared to May 2019 (+7.9%) with two fewer trading days.
Just three of the 12 product categories sold more compared to May 2019, led by timber and joinery products (+28.1%) and landscaping (+26.5%).
LAST THREE MONTHS
Total value sales in March to May 2021 were 110.6% higher than the same three months in 2020, helped by one more trading day this year. Tools (+179.7%) performed strongly, followed by timber and joinery products (+147.3%) and landscaping (+130.8%). Total sales were also up on the same three months of 2019 (+17.5%), with no difference in trading days.
MONTH-ON-MONTH
Month-on-month figures indicate that May sales failed to reach the record-breaking levels seen in March and April (-6.1% on April, with one fewer trading day). All categories sold less but timber and joinery products and kitchens and bathrooms fared best (-1.8%).
INDEX
May’s BMBI index was 141.4, with two fewer trading days. Landscaping (220.5) and timber and joinery products (173.2) both outperformed merchants overall.
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