The weather wash-out in February led to sluggish sales for floorcoverings according to the latest retail sales data from thre Office for National Statistics.
February's flooring sales were down 1.9% from January and 2.8% compared to the same month last year.
The furniture sector saw a more substantial decline - down 4.9% on January and 5.7% below the same month in 2023.
Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “February sales were hit by the wettest February on record, which dampened demand and depressed footfall. This was felt most in the more high-ticket categories such as furniture and electricals. Retailers are hopeful that with warmer weather and potential interest rate cuts around the corner, consumer confidence will soon spring back."