An open shop window for retail customers

As outdoor temperatures drop, the market for home improvements —particularly in windows, doors, and glazed extensions — seems to be warming up. The economy, which had shown signs of stalling as a new government settled into office and many Brits took their holidays in August, is now showing some positive movement. A helpful indicator of this is the data released by Barclaycard in its monthly consumer card spending report. According to the report, spending in the retail sector returned to growth for the first time since March this year. This could suggest that consumers are stretching their budgets, but overall, it reflects an increase in spending activity.

Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays, reinforced this sentiment. He commented: “Having seen government spending drive the economy in the second quarter, with private consumption remaining relatively muted, this data very much supports our view that the balance will shift over the second half of the year and into next. Growing real incomes and strengthening consumer confidence, combined with falling interest rates, should allow consumers to increasingly put their spending power to work.”

One particularly interesting statistic from the report is the resurgence of in-store shopping. In August, 55.7% of all credit and debit card spending took place face-to-face rather than online, marking the highest level of in-person transactions so far this year. This trend aligns with an observation within our own industry, where more businesses—both in the retail and trade sectors—are opening showrooms. We are seeing this across the board: component manufacturers are setting up showrooms to showcase their latest products, fabricators are creating spaces where their trade customers can bring homeowners, and retail outlets are giving consumers the opportunity to experience products first-hand.

This is not an entirely new trend, but it feels more significant today because the products in the market, particularly in the windows and doors sector, have evolved aesthetically and deserve to be seen in person. The latest market insight report from WindowBase and Tommy Trinder provides some revealing data that underscores these changes. Here are some key takeaways: aluminium now accounts for 36% of the market by value; 85% of installers sell aluminium products; aluminium bi-fold doors make up 10%, and sliders account for 8% of the total UK window and door market. Additionally, 80% of firms offer PVC-U windows and doors, 22% of which are flush casements. Notably, 81% of those flush casements are foiled, while 47% of all PVC-U casements feature foiling.

The growing demand for foiled PVC-U windows clearly shows that windows have become style-driven products. As we know, anything with style and design merit benefits from being showcased properly, which could explain the rising number of showrooms across the industry.

While aesthetics are undoubtedly a crucial element in externally facing building products, performance is another key factor—one that was tragically highlighted by the findings of the recent Grenfell Inquiry. The inquiry brought to light serious concerns regarding the performance of many building materials, and the findings made for distressing reading. The government’s drive for deregulation and the lack of clarity in building regulations were significant contributors, providing loopholes that allowed for interpretation and, in some cases, the evasion of critical safety standards.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the chair of the inquiry, emphasised the ongoing deficiencies in the guidance on fire safety regulations. He noted that the current guidance “still fails to offer the information needed to design buildings that are safe in the event of a fire.” The hope now is that the new government will heed the recommendations of the report and work towardss a solution that ensures building regulations are reviewed and updated annually, or as soon as necessary.

Most companies in the industry would welcome this change, as the majority adhere to the regulations set before them. Clearer, more rigorous guidelines would not only protect consumers but also provide businesses with the standards they need to ensure their products meet safety expectations, both in terms of aesthetics and performance.

John Cowie – Editor

E: john.cowie@windowsactive.co.uk