Furniture store card spending up in December 2024

Client card spending in furnishings shops rose throughout December when in comparison with final yr, says new knowledge from Barclays.

In response to the most recent Barclays Client Spending Index, which incorporates each debit and bank cards, furnishings retailer spending progress elevated 1.7%, whereas transaction progress was up 4.3% towards the identical month final yr.

House enchancment and DIY shops noticed spending progress fall 3.1%, with transaction progress down 3.9%. Department shops noticed spending progress lower 0.6%, with transaction progress up by 1.7%. Low cost shops noticed a rise of 0.2% in spend progress, whereas transaction progress was down 0.7%, and Backyard centres skilled a rise of three.1% in spend progress and an uptick of 0.4% in transaction progress.

Client card spending progress remained flat in December, at 0.0 per cent year-on-year – considerably decrease than the most recent CPIH inflation price of three.5 per cent. Cutbacks in important classes have been offset by progress in discretionary spending, supported by one other “Depraved” efficiency from leisure (up 6.0 per cent) and Brits planning holidays for 2025, boosting journey 4.7 per cent.

Important spend dropped by -3.0 per cent in December, as decrease petrol costs once more impacted gasoline spending (-11.6 per cent) and Brits made cutbacks whereas going through inflation issues; 9 in 10 adults mentioned they have been involved about each rising meals costs (86 per cent) and family payments (87 per cent).

Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, mentioned: “Shoppers demonstrated their capability to rigorously handle their cash as soon as once more in December, discovering methods to avoid wasting whereas nonetheless sprinkling in some cheer, setting apart funds to treats themselves and family members over the festive interval.

“Brits are additionally planning to prioritise memorable moments in 2025, with journey rising as a transparent spending precedence. Well being can be held in excessive regard; these making New 12 months’s resolutions will in the reduction of on pub journeys, however spend on more healthy alternate options to nights out.”