Consumer card spending in furniture stores rose during December when compared to last year, says new data from Barclays.

According to the latest Barclays Consumer Spending Index, which includes both debit and credit cards, furniture store spending growth increased 1.7%, while transaction growth was up 4.3% against the same month last year.

Home improvement and DIY stores saw spending growth fall 3.1%, with transaction growth down 3.9%. Department stores saw spending growth decrease 0.6%, with transaction growth up by 1.7%. Discount stores saw an increase of 0.2% in spend growth, while transaction growth was down 0.7%, and Garden centres experienced an increase of 3.1% in spend growth and an uptick of 0.4% in transaction growth.

Consumer card spending growth remained flat in December, at 0.0 per cent year-on-year – significantly lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.5 per cent. Cutbacks in essential categories were offset by growth in discretionary spending, supported by another “Wicked” performance from entertainment (up 6.0 per cent) and Brits planning holidays for 2025, boosting travel 4.7 per cent.

Essential spend dropped by -3.0 per cent in December, as lower petrol prices again impacted fuel spending (-11.6 per cent) and Brits made cutbacks while facing inflation concerns; nine in 10 adults said they were concerned about both rising food prices (86 per cent) and household bills (87 per cent).

Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “Consumers demonstrated their ability to carefully manage their money once again in December, finding ways to save while still sprinkling in some cheer, setting aside funds to treats themselves and loved ones over the festive period.

“Brits are also planning to prioritise memorable moments in 2025, with travel emerging as a clear spending priority. Health is also held in high regard; those making New Year’s resolutions will cut back on pub trips, but spend on healthier alternatives to nights out.”