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Howden Joinery Group, the UK’s largest trade kitchen and joinery supplier, has reported record sales during TradeFest, its peak trading period. UK sales rose 6.8% between 14 June and 31 October 2026, despite what the business describes as challenging macro-economic conditions.
Much of that headline growth comes from DIY Kitchens, which Howdens acquired on 23 June. On a pro-forma basis that includes DIY Kitchens in both years, UK sales grew 1.8% over the period and are 2.4% ahead year-to-date. Howdens’ customers are primarily local builders, so this is a useful read on trade-led kitchen and joinery work. The update shows that activity still growing, though not quickly.
Group performance
Group sales rose 6.8% in the period and 5.1% year-to-date, or 2.1% and 2.7% respectively on a pro-forma basis. Howdens says it remains on track to deliver 2026 underlying profit before tax in line with market expectations, where the consensus average is £361m. For context, the Group reported revenue of £2.4bn and profit before tax of £344.9m in 2025.
A move into online, self-managed kitchen buying
DIY Kitchens sells exclusively online, mainly to end users who manage their own kitchen purchase. It operates independently of Howden Trade, and Howdens says it traded in line with expectations. Chief Executive Andrew Livingston said the business’s new route to market expands Howdens’ addressable customer base in the UK. This is a notable step from a business built entirely on a trade-only depot model.
Product, availability and pricing
Howdens credits its record TradeFest partly to a significant proportion of new kitchen and joinery product in its range. It also highlights consistently high stock availability. Livingston said: “Our trade only business has continued to grow.” He added that productivity and efficiency programmes are supporting competitive pricing across all kitchen and joinery categories and helping to offset inflationary pressures. The group manufactures much of its range in-house at its factories in Runcorn and Howden, East Yorkshire.
International
Sales across France, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland rose 6.2% in local currency, or 10.2% excluding planned French depot closures. Six French depots closed in 2026, following two in 2025.
What does this tell suppliers?
- Trade-led kitchen demand is growing, but modestly. Comparable UK growth of under 2.5% year-to-date, set against “challenging” conditions, suggests builder-led kitchen projects are continuing. The update does not point to a strong recovery in RMI spending.
- Pricing and inflation remain live issues. Howdens’ emphasis on competitive pricing and cost efficiency suggests price competitiveness and inflation management remain priorities in the kitchen and joinery channel.
- Newness and availability are driving sales. The retailer explicitly links its peak-season performance to new product and in-stock reliability.
- Channels are shifting. One of the UK’s biggest trade players buying an online, consumer-facing kitchen business is a signal worth watching across home improvement.
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