Flooring retail inflation leapt in May as price increases – many as a result of the war the Middle East – kicked in.
Flooring inflation has been on an upward trajectory since last Autmn, but has accelerated since the turn of the year and especially in recent months.
In May the date hit 4.4%, up from 2.7% in April, according to ONS data.
A year ago the rate was 0.2%.
Unlike most of the past year, the rise was fuelled by carpets and rugs. The sector saw inflation rise from
2.8% to 4.7%. A year ago the rate was 0.6%
Smooths also saw inflation climb, from 1.7% to 2.2%. In May 2025, the sector was experiencing deflation of 2.8%.
