The fitted kitchen market may still be under pressure, but new figures from JKMR show that independent retailers are emerging as the strongest performers in a challenging market.
According to the 2025 UK Fitted Kitchen Market Report, the number of kitchen installations fell again in 2024, down more than 18% on 2022, to just under 1.05 million projects.
However, the total value of fitted kitchen product sales – including cabinetry, worktops, sinks, taps and integrated appliances – reached almost £5.4 billion, a 3% increase over the same period.
That rise is largely thanks to higher product specifications and larger kitchen designs, with average spend per project up by nearly 22% compared to 2022. And it’s the specialist studio sector (independent retailers) that’s benefited most from this trend.
Independents saw income grow by over 9% in the past two years, outperforming volume players such as Howdens and the wider mass-market multiples, many of which reported falling revenues. These studios now account for almost 40% of total market value.
JKMR’s Jayne Barber said: “The studio sector has been, in relative terms, the strongest performer over the past two years, with high budget clients more resilient and able to invest substantial sums in their new kitchen.
“This has enabled specialists to regain an almost 40% share of total market value, although in terms of installation share the sector has made few gains.”
Looking ahead, JKMR expects market value to keep rising modestly through 2025, even if installation numbers remain flat. By 2026, both the new-build and owner-occupier refurbishment sectors are expected to return to growth.
JKMR’s report also predicts further evolution in kitchen retailing, including potential growth in studio franchises and new high street formats from big brands like Wren.
Look out for kbbreview’s full analysis of the report in our September issue.
