DFS Furniture said demand in the UK upholstery market softened further in the seven weeks to 8 November 2026, and that its full-year profit expectations now carry a wider range of possible outcomes.
In a trading update issued on 13 November ahead of its annual general meeting, the group said order intake over the first 12 weeks of its 2027 financial year was down 2.5 per cent year on year, in line with its expectations at the time of its full-year results on 24 September.
Key points
- Upholstery market demand softened further in the following seven weeks, which DFS linked to continued pressure on household budgets and lower consumer confidence.
- The group said Lloyds banking data covering 14 specialist upholstery retailers showed its DFS and Sofology brands continuing to outperform the wider sector.
- It is running targeted commercial activity to support conversion through Black Friday and its Winter Sale, while keeping tight control of costs.
- It did not give new profit guidance, citing fluctuating footfall, fragile consumer confidence and the early stage of the financial year.
- The fifth mezzanine for its non-upholstery Home range opened at the DFS Leeds Birstall showroom in October and is trading in line with expectations.
Chief executive Tim Stacey said the consumer environment had remained challenging through the autumn, and that the business was focused on commercial actions to drive cash margins while controlling costs.
DFS will give its next update in a half-year trading statement on 21 January 2027.
Share