The latest NBF Tracker, which is based on data from the bed federation's members and covers Q3 2019, shows overall sales up just over +7% YoY by volume and +1.7% by value.
The results also pointed to growth in mattress-only sales, with an increase of over +6% by volume and +3% by value.
However, the average unit price of divan sets was down almost -12.5%, which resulted in a YoY drop of -5.5% in the total value of divan set sales.
Simon Williams, the NBF's marketing and membership manager, says: “While overall the data pointed to an industry holding firm in difficult times, only 15% of members reported being optimistic about the state of trade – that compares to 33% in the same 2018 period. We also noted 19% of contributors reported being pessimistic about trade compared to the previous 17%.
"These figures were, however, compiled prior to the General Election on 12th December, so opinions may well have changed since then!”
The NBF Tracker is based on data supplied by members, which represent 50% of UK manufacturing output by volume and 70% by value.