Inflation returned to the flooring sector in September, after smooths saw another major price change.
Flooring saw deflation of 0.5% become deflation of 0.2%, according to ONS data. However, it was again a tale of two product types.
Carpets and rugs registered inflation of 0.8%, after August’s 0.0% – neither inflation nor deflation. This is the joint highest rate this year – with January.
Smooths, on the other hand, continued its love affair with deflation, rising from 4,1% to 4.3%.
In the past 13 months, only September 2024 (0.2%) and November 2024 (0.0%) have not seen deflation, with September 2025 its highest during that period.
