Furniture retail sales rose during November on last month and also increased against an annual comparison.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, furniture and lighting retail sales increased 7.6% to £1.4bn from £1.3bn in October. Compared to the previous year, sales rose 16.6% from £1.2bn.

Floorcovering retail sales also rose month-on-month, up by 9% to £264.7m from £242.8m. Compared to the same time last year, sales increased by 14% from £232m.

Department stores sales volumes rose by 1.7% over the month, while household goods stores (such as furniture stores) sales volumes rose by 4.4% in November 2022.

Department store and household goods store retailers reported increased sales in November 2022. Several retailers reported longer Black Friday sales, as offers over the whole month of November potentially contributed to the increase in sales. 

Overall, total retail sales volume (quantity bought) in November fell by 5.9%, while the value (amount spent) increased by 4.2% to £43.3bn year-on-year. On a monthly comparison, volumes were down 0.4%, with the value spent up by 0.5%.

The value of online spending increased at a similar rate to retail sales as a whole, so the proportion of online sales remained unchanged at 26.2% in November 2022. The proportion of retail sales online has remained broadly consistent at around 26.0% since May 2022.

Commenting on the retail sales figures for November, ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: “Retail sales fell overall in November, driven by a notable drop for online retailers, with ‘Black Friday’ offers failing to provide their usual lift in this sector.

“However, department stores and household goods shops did report increased sales with these retailers telling us a longer period of ‘Black Friday’ discounting helped boost sales. Food and alcohol sales were also up with consumers stocking up early to try to spread the cost of Christmas festivities.”

Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Sales growth failed to keep pace with inflation as sales volumes dropped for the eighth month in a row. Black Friday provided a small boost to retailers, but there are signs that many consumers are holding off Christmas spending until the last moment. Retailers may be slightly reassured by the marginal improvement in consumer confidence, but it remains well below levels seen even at the height of the pandemic due to the ongoing cost of living squeeze. There was stronger growth for furniture, floors and textiles, as households chose to concentrate on improving the home ahead of Christmas. But, many retailers will be holding their breath as they look to the hugely important December sales period.

“Given the pressure currently bearing down on the retail industry from higher energy and input costs, it is vital Government provides support for retailers as it puts in place future arrangements for the EBRS from April 2023. Without clear targeted support, retailers will see their costs – and potentially prices – climb even higher.”