A positive start to the year, the business is on track with the outlook for 2026.
Howden Joinery Group plc, the UK's largest specialist trade kitchen and joinery supplier, today announces a trading update for the first four periods of 2026 (16 weeks to 18 April 2026).
Overall, underlying Group sales were 3.7% ahead of the prior year and 2.8% ahead on a same depot basis. Underlying UK sales were 3.5% ahead of the prior year and 2.6% ahead on a same depot basis and International was 9.1% ahead and 7.9% on a same depot basis, against very strong prior year comparators. There were two fewer trading days in periods one to four 2026 than in the prior year.
Howdens successfully implemented price increases across all geographies at the start of the year, as it continued to optimise the balance between margin and volume.
Howdens' supply chain remains robust despite the ongoing instability in the Middle East and its near-sourced, vertically integrated business model is resilient across all macro-economic conditions.
Howdens is maintaining very good ongoing stock availability to support its trade customers to secure and deliver work, and it has hedged fuel expenses through to the end of the year. The business will continue to stay vigilant in the current environment, keeping a sharp focus on productivity, efficiency and disciplined cost control.
As outlined with the full year results, Howdens expect to invest around £30 million in its strategic initiatives this year to support future growth. We plan to open around 25 new depots in the UK, and 5 in the Republic of Ireland during 2026, in addition to refurbishing around 45 older UK depots.
Howdens is also making good progress with new product introductions for 2026, including 24 new kitchens, and ongoing investment in its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, including the expansion of the Runcorn manufacturing facility which is progressing as planned.
The Group has traded well in the first four periods of 2026, and continues to invest in its in-stock, trade-only, local business model. Although mindful that it is still early in the financial year and sales are weighted towards the second half, given its Autumn peak trading period, Howdens remain confident in its differentiated business model and remains on track with the outlook for 2026.
