Howdens has reported first-half sales of more than £1bn as it continues to gain market share in a ‘flat’ UK kitchen market.
The business posted group sales of £1.03bn for the 24 weeks to June 13, up 3.3% on the same period last year. Profit before tax rose 4.3% to £122.2m, with gross margin improving to 62.8%.
Howdens said the performance reflected higher kitchen volumes, balanced pricing and continued gains in market share despite expecting the UK kitchen market to remain broadly flat this year.
It said that it had made £19m of productivity and efficiency savings which had helped offset higher payroll, property and the cost of raw materials and components.
Chief executive Andrew Livingston (pictured below) said: “Our first half performance demonstrates the strength and growth potential of our differentiated, in-stock, trade-only business model. Our underlying operating profit margin was ahead of last year as we maintained our industry-leading gross margin and remained disciplined on costs with ongoing investment in our strategic initiatives continuing to strengthen our competitive position.”
He added: “We are well prepared for our peak trading period in the Autumn, supported by our best-ever product line-up across kitchens and joinery. The combination of our highly engaged and well incentivised local depot teams, industry-leading product ranges, consistently high stock availability and the skill of our trade customers at winning work, leaves us well positioned to continue to outperform in what remains a challenging marketplace.”
The company confirmed that its £390m acquisition of online retailer DIY Kitchens completed on June 23, shortly after the reporting period ended.
Howdens said DIY Kitchens would continue to operate as a standalone online-only business serving non-trade consumers, complementing its existing trade-only model rather than replacing it.
The acquired business generated revenues of £136m and EBIT of £37m in 2025 and has averaged annual revenue growth of 17% over the past five years.
During the first half, Howdens traded from 975 depots, including 893 in the UK, and reiterated plans to open around 25 new UK depots during 2026 as it continues towards its long-term ambition of operating around 1,000 UK locations.
The supplier also highlighted continued investment in new kitchen ranges, introducing 23 new kitchens in the first half, with particular focus on entry and mid-market price points ahead of the autumn trading period. It also refreshed its Lamona appliance range, expanded its own-brand flooring and ironmongery collections and reported continued growth in fitted bedrooms.
The company said it expects the UK kitchen market to remain flat during 2026.