Total Builders’ Merchant value sales in November 2019 were down -7.4% compared with the same month in 2018. On one less trading day, average sales a day dropped -3.0%. Tools (-12.7%), Timber & Joinery (-9.6%), Ironmongery (-8.0%), Heavy Building Materials (-7.9%) and Landscaping (-7.4%) were particularly affected. The drop was less pronounced for Kitchens & Bathrooms at -1.2%.

The best performing sectors in November 2019 compared with the same period in 2018 were Renewables & Water Saving (+5.3%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+3.7%).

Compared with October 2019, November was down -10.0%. However, adjusted for two less trading days in November, the drop was less dramatic at -1.4%.

All product categories were down month-on-month, including Heavy Building Materials (-10.9%), Timber & Joinery (-10.0%) and Ironmongery (-9.8%). Kitchen & Bathroom sales were down by -1.4%. However, adjusted for trading days, Kitchens & Bathrooms was among the strongest performing sectors, with sales up +8.0%.

Sales in the 12 months December 2018 to November 2019 were down -0.2% on the same period last year. Adjusting for one less trading day, sales are marginally ahead at +0.2%.

November’s BMBI index was 113.4, with Plumbing, Heating & Electrical the highest at 134.6. The Kitchens & Bathrooms index for November was 125.8.