Kitchen, joinery and bedroom furniture supplier Howdens has reported a growth in half year sales as it continues its encouraging performance.

According to its latest trading update for the 24 weeks to 15 June 2024, total group sales rose 4.3% to £966.3, from £926.9m against the same period in 2023.

UK sales rose 4.3% to £933.7m from £895.1m, while International revenues increased 2.5% to £32.6m from £31.8m.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £112.3m, up from £111.9m, while it maintained an ‘industry leading’ gross margin of 60.8%.

On its expansion, Howdens said it plans to open c.30 new UK locations and c.5 new international depots this year. To date it has opened 10 depots in the UK and one in the Republic of Ireland.

Furthermore, on new product introductions, the company has launched 11 new kitchen ranges for 2024 and is refreshing its joinery, paint to order and solid worksurface offerings and extending its product line up with new bedroom ranges.

Commenting on the results Andrew Livingston, Chief Executive said: “Howdens performance in the first half was encouraging and we gained market share in a challenging marketplace. We continued to invest in our strategic initiatives which is strengthening our differentiated business model and delivering positive results.

“We are focused on the significant growth opportunities in our core UK kitchen and joinery markets. To access these, we are progressing our new depot and reformat programme and making range and product innovations.

“We are also manufacturing more of what we sell and, alongside the provision of unequalled stock availability, we are adding further digital capabilities to support our trade customers and depot teams. We continue to see opportunities to develop our business model internationally and we’re making good progress in establishing Howdens’ presence, laying the foundations for future success.”