Latest figures from builders’ merchants across Cornwall show sales of landscaping products soared in June.
According to the Builders Merchants Federation’s Builders’ Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, sales grew by more than 50% during the month, compared with June 2019.
The trade body says DIY customers are behind much of the increase, with people being at home on furlough, good weather and uncertainty about holidays all leading to more investment in gardens during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Products including decorative aggregates, paving, decking and fencing are among the top items on the nation’s shopping list.
Figures on landscaping sales have been taken from the latest BMBI report, which shows that the south west was one of the top performing regions in the UK in June for building materials sales this year.
David Young is south west regional chairman of the Builders’ Merchants Federation (BMF) and chief executive officer of south west builders’ merchants, Bradfords. He said: “We saw unprecedented demand for landscaping products in June.
“A lot of this increase has come from furloughed workers, wanting to carry out jobs around the home.
“Uncertainty about holidays has also had a part to play, with many people deciding to invest in their home this year rather than travel, and the good weather has also been significant too.”
The BMF represents 397 merchant members operating from over 5,709 branches across the UK and Ireland.
