Uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations in 2018, resulted in the UK bathroom market reporting a more modest performance, with only marginal growth of 2% that year, despite steady growth in 2017.
This is one of the key findings in the Bathroom Market Report – UK 2019-2023 from AMA Research, which said that, looking forward, the UK bathroom market would continue to rise, albeit at a moderate pace in the short term.
The report said: “The market value will initially be influenced by the rising cost of imports, given the current weakness of the sterling, with stronger market performance towards the end of the forecast period.”
The report highlighted that consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and will continue to upgrade to higher-quality bathroom products, which will support value growth in the longer term. This focus on design and home improvements should impact on the replacement cycle, with more frequent upgrades providing opportunities for growth.
“Minimalist designs are prevalent in the UK bathroom market and there is a definite trend towards design-led products in considered styles,” the report said. “Modern baths and sanitaryware styles are curvaceous and have slim rims. Taps and mixers are both practical and stylish and available in a wide choice of styles and finishes.”
The report also highlighted the growing trend for smart technology in the bathroom and how it would become a key driver of sales for certain product categories: “Digital and smart technology is becoming more widely used as more homeowners are now aware of the benefits of digital control within the home environment. Digital technology will be a key driver of growth, particularly in sectors such as taps and mixers, flushing controls, bathroom furniture and accessories.”