Monday, August 17, 2026
Alstons owner widens margin and sells surplus property amid tough UK market
The owner of upholstery manufacturer Alstons expanded gross margin and generated a gain from selling surplus property in the second quarter, mitigating the impact of the continuing downturn in the UK furniture market.
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Half-year mattress imports fall for first time in seven years
Imports of foam and sprung mattresses into the UK declined in the first six months of 2026, the first time half-year figures have fallen since 2019.
Analysis: A property bill complicates the Furniturebox growth story
A newly-disclosed property provision goes a long way to explaining why ecommerce furniture retailer Furniturebox slipped into the red last year. [Premium]
Wool bedding manufacturer relocates to Scotland for major capacity expansion
Wool bedding manufacturer Luna Textiles is relocating from West Yorkshire to a historic Scottish textile mill as part of an expansion that will double production capacity.
Bradbeers profits rise as sales growth offsets higher employment costs
Higher sales and rental income combined with the lower cost of servicing debt to help independent retailer Bradbeers elevate net profits in the past year, new accounts show.
Analysis: Tapi ruling puts flooring industry's fitting model on firmer ground
For Britain's flooring retailers, Tapi's victory over HMRC removes some of the uncertainty that has hung over one of the trade's most established ways of selling fitting. [Premium]
Sofa imports edge higher as China offsets European declines
Sofa and sofabed imports returned to growth in June on the back of stronger shipments from China, the UK's largest trading partner in the category.
Factory gate furniture sales inch ahead in first half
A return to growth in June meant first half turnover at the furniture factory gate was marginally positive, according to new official statistics.
House sales offer positive signal for big-ticket spend despite Scotland weakness
The number of completed housing transactions, a key indicator of future big-ticket home spend, remained positive in June as rises in England, Wales and Northern Ireland mitigated a slower property market in Scotland.
Analysis: Retail's blurred boundaries on show in John Lewis appointment
The appointment of Will Kernan as the next managing director at department store chain John Lewis doesn't spell the end of his three-year tenure at Neptune. [Premium]
Heatwave fuels summer sales surge for Woolroom
Woolroom has reported a sharp rise in summer sales, with the natural bedding retailer saying hotter weather has fuelled demand for products designed to help sleepers stay cool.
INTELLIGENCE
Market Data
Detailed market information about each of the Upholstery, Beds, Cabinet Furniture and Floorcoverings sectors at suppliers' prices.
Discover the up-to-date value of:
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UK production
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Imports
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Exports
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Key Trading Partners
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Total UK market size
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INTELLIGENCE
Retail Sales
Up-to-date monthly UK retail sales data spanning total furniture and lighting sales PLUS detailed breakdowns for each of the Upholstery, Beds, Cabinet Furniture and Floorcoverings sectors.
Proprietary granular data covering:
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UK retail sales value and y/y delta. Monthly and annual
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Breakdown by product category
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Historical data
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Monthly and annual figures
DATA & LISTS
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Analysis: A property bill complicates the Furniturebox growth story
A newly-disclosed property provision goes a long way to explaining why ecommerce furniture retailer Furniturebox slipped into the red last year. [Premium]
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Mattress imports: Half-year 2022–2026 breakdown by country
Complete list of all countries from which foam and sprung mattresses were imported into the UK in the first half of 2026, including the value of goods, year-on-year comparisons, and five years of data.
TOP STORIES
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Alstons owner widens margin and sells surplus property amid tough UK market
The owner of upholstery manufacturer Alstons expanded gross margin and generated a gain from selling surplus property in the second quarter, mitigating the impact of the continuing downturn in the UK furniture market.
-
Loaf profits squeezed as promotional furniture market hits margins
Loaf maintained sales close to year-earlier levels in 2025 but a sharp contraction in gross margin sent the furniture retailer to a loss at the operating line.
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Tapi wins multimillion pound VAT battle with HMRC
Tapi Carpets & Floors has won its multimillion pound VAT battle with HM Revenue & Customs after a tax tribunal rejected the authority's claim that the retailer was liable for tax on fees paid directly to independent floor fitters.
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Bensons for Beds hires longtime DFS executive as commercial director
Bensons for Beds has recruited longtime DFS executive John Rastall as commercial director as it strengthens its senior commercial team.
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Furniturebox steps up investment but takes short-term profit hit
Ecommerce retailer Furniturebox says investment across marketing, people, technology and operations has strengthened the business and improved its growth prospects, but prioritising long-term value over short-term profitability saw it slip to a loss last year.
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OTHER NEWS
Half-year mattress imports fall for first time in seven years
Imports of foam and sprung mattresses into the UK declined in the first six months of 2026, the first time half-year figures have fallen since 2019.
Analysis: A property bill complicates the Furniturebox growth story
A newly-disclosed property provision goes a long way to explaining why ecommerce furniture retailer Furniturebox slipped into the red last year. [Premium]
Wool bedding manufacturer relocates to Scotland for major capacity expansion
Wool bedding manufacturer Luna Textiles is relocating from West Yorkshire to a historic Scottish textile mill as part of an expansion that will double production capacity.
Bradbeers profits rise as sales growth offsets higher employment costs
Higher sales and rental income combined with the lower cost of servicing debt to help independent retailer Bradbeers elevate net profits in the past year, new accounts show.
Analysis: Tapi ruling puts flooring industry's fitting model on firmer ground
For Britain's flooring retailers, Tapi's victory over HMRC removes some of the uncertainty that has hung over one of the trade's most established ways of selling fitting. [Premium]
Sofa imports edge higher as China offsets European declines
Sofa and sofabed imports returned to growth in June on the back of stronger shipments from China, the UK's largest trading partner in the category.
Factory gate furniture sales inch ahead in first half
A return to growth in June meant first half turnover at the furniture factory gate was marginally positive, according to new official statistics.
House sales offer positive signal for big-ticket spend despite Scotland weakness
The number of completed housing transactions, a key indicator of future big-ticket home spend, remained positive in June as rises in England, Wales and Northern Ireland mitigated a slower property market in Scotland.