Consumer card spending in furniture stores rose during January when compared to last year, says new data from Barclays.

According to the latest Barclays Consumer Spending Index, which includes both debit and credit cards, furniture store spending growth increased 0.5%, while transaction growth was up 1.5% against the same month last year.

Home improvement and DIY stores saw spending growth fall 2.1%, with transaction growth down 5.2%. Department stores saw spending growth decrease 0.2%, with transaction growth up by 1.9%. Discount stores saw an increase of 1.4% in spend growth, while transaction growth was up 1.1%, and Garden centres experienced a decrease of 0.8% in spend growth and a decline of 1.5% in transaction growth.

Credit and debit card spending grew 1.9% year-on-year in January – the highest uplift since March 2024, but remaining lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.2%. Despite falling consumer confidence in the UK economy, down five percentage points to 21%, non-essential spending grew 2.7%, led by the resilient performance of entertainment, health & beauty and digital content & subscriptions.

Spending on essential items returned to growth in January, up 0.1%, after four consecutive months of decline. Supermarket spending also increased for the first time since August 2024, up 1% year-on-year.

Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “January’s figures are a positive signal that non-essential spending should remain strong in 2025. Despite expressing economic uncertainty and a cost-cutting mindset, shoppers are continuing to prioritise the things love – entertainment, wellness and evenings with family and friends.

“Social media is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions – whether it’s a trending beauty product or a must-visit holiday destination. Looking ahead to February, which brings Valentine’s Day and half term for schools, it’s likely we’ll see more of this careful balancing act, with people continuing to seek out deals and discounts to enjoy the good times without breaking the bank.”