The rapid rise of retail price inflation in the carpet sector has slowed from it's Summer surge according to latest data from the ONS.
Figures for September report carpet price inflation at 5.5% in the year to October, down from 7.6% in September and half the c. 10% levels during the summer.
The carpet sector had consistently out-paced inflation in the furniture sector as a whole but this trend has now been reversed – the furniture and furnishings category in the ONS report showed record growth in inflation of 11% for October as supplier costs continue to rise for energy, raw material and shipping. Costs in flooring remain high but are believed to have stabilised.