January saw the value of furniture sales at its highest level for the month since records began while flooring sales were more than 50% above pre-pandemic levels.
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that sales of furniture and lighting in England, Scotland and Wales were worth £1,316,682,000 during the month: the highest figure since ONS records began in 1986.
The performance was the 20th best month of 433 since then.
Sales were 7.15% lower than December 2021, 51.3% higher than January 2021 – when stores were closed, 7.7% lower than January 2020 and 17.8% higher than January 2021.
Flooring sales leapt on all measures, as it recorded the best performing January since 2014.
At £177,981,000 sales were 28.9% higher than December 2021, 412% up on January 2021, 54.88% higher than January 2020 and 66.5% higher than January 2019.
It was the 200th best month since January 1986, and compares with £198,763,000 generated in January 2014, the 111th best month.
The figures do not allow for inflation and are subject to revision.
