Bathroom Market Report – UK 2022-2026
AMA Research
The 20th edition of the ‘Bathroom Market Report UK 2022-2025’ has been published by AMA Research. The report represents an informed and up-to-date review of this changing market.
It analyses the current trends by product sector – baths & sanitaryware, taps & mixers, bathroom accessories, bathroom furniture, whirlpool & spa bath systems. It includes comment on market prospects for each sector and implications for UK manufacturers and suppliers of these products.
Until Covid-19, the UK bathroom market had been growing at a steady pace before it saw a sharp value decline of 16% in 2020. However, this decline was less than previously anticipated with an uplift in home improvement activity particularly evident since Q4 2020. Many consumers have accumulated savings over the pandemic and have opted to focus on improving their home environment, including refurbishing the bathroom.
In 2021, the UK bathroom market bounced back, with the successful roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine programme positively influencing confidence levels and expenditure. This recovery was despite the ongoing supply chain issues following Brexit, with a shortage of imported products and materials, increases in transportation costs and longer lead times.
Bathroom sales via the internet have continued to show good growth; with lower prices and added convenience, online retailers have been able to capitalise on changing consumer cross-channel shopping habits, with a notable shift to online purchases over the last 2 years.
In 2022 it is anticipated that the value of the UK bathroom market will continue to recover, albeit at a steadier pace. The market value will be influenced by the ongoing effects of the
pandemic, but also by the high cost of imports, given the current weakness of Sterling.
Rising energy prices will also impact significantly on production costs, particularly in high energy-using industries such as ceramics. In addition, the effect of the widely anticipated ‘cost-of-living crisis’ on confidence levels and expenditure is yet to be determined.
Several key trends have emerged in 2022. These include spa-like bathroom solutions with the renewed focus on health and wellbeing since the pandemic; smart bathrooms incorporating hygienic, touchless technology; water efficient and eco-friendly sustainable designs; also, practical space-enhancing products for small UK bathrooms.
Minimalist, modern styles will continue to be prevalent with sanitaryware in simple, organic shapes and tapware in smooth, streamlined designs. Freestanding baths, decorative towel warmers and luxury mirrors will be used to add the ‘wow’ factor. Bathroom accessories will refresh and personalise the bathroom space. Space-enhancing furniture solutions will ensure even the smallest bathroom becomes a haven to relax and unwind.
Technological developments such as the touchless control of taps and WC flushing systems will become ever more evident, with elevated hygiene concerns since the pandemic. Water efficiency and sustainable methods of production & distribution will also become more important with the UK target to achieve carbon net zero by 2050.
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