28 March 2024, 14:52
By Furniture News Aug 23, 2021

Christmas shut-off earlier than ever, reports BFM

Continued high demand for furniture, combined with a perfect storm within the supply chain, is extending lead times ahead of the festive rush, according to the latest economic update from British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), which states that the shut-off for Christmas deliveries is becoming earlier than ever.

BFM MD Nick Garratt analysed retail data, spending trends and supply chain issues as part of the BFM’s Monthly Economic Review, including the latest figures from the ONS and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), as well as data from GfK, PAYE and Maersk, alongside the BFM’s own research into material prices.

Nick warns that the sector is facing a perfect storm of increasing demand, limited supply and port closures, alongside rising material prices and shipping costs. He says: “For some time, BFM price reports have been recording large material price rises - some items over +60% - due to high demand and supply shortages. The latest BFM Prices Report for August shows little sign of this trend abating.

“With strong order books, many businesses are operating on long lead times, and shut-off for Christmas deliveries is happening earlier than ever before.”

The review is available here.

© 2013 - 2024 Gearing Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved.