Builders’ merchant value sales were virtually flat in July 2025: volumes were up by 0.6% compared to July 2024 but with prices down by a similar percentage, the value of those sales increased by just 0.1%..
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in September, shows that eight of the 12 product categories sold more in terms of value compared to July last year. Renewables & Water Saving (+3.7%), Timber & Joinery Products (+2.6%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+1.8%) and Services (+1.7%) were the biggest growing categories. Heavy Building Materials (-1.1%) Decorating (-3.9%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-5.3%) were the weakest.
Comparing July to June the value of the sales in July was up 5.8% higher, while volumes were up by 5.4%; prices rose by 0.4% over the month. All categories saw their sales increase.
Over the 12 months from August 2024 to July 2025 volumes were up by 1.7% but prices were down by the same percentage, meaning that overall takings were flat.
Mike Rigby of MRA Research, which produces the monthly BMBI report each month for the Builders Merchant Federation using point of sale data, said: “Summer 2025 might have been the hottest on record, but good weather did not translate into additional value sales for Britain’s builders’ merchants, with only marginal sales value growth reported for July compared to the previous year. Volumes did increase 0.6% but prices fell 0.6%, cancelling out the improvement.”
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