UK consumers looking to purchase new furniture should consider making their move sooner rather than later, according to a stark warning from a major bank. Analysts predict that household items, particularly large furnishings, are set to become significantly more expensive in the coming years as new import tariffs begin to take full effect.
Immediate Action Advised Before 2026 Deadline
Financial experts at Wells Fargo are advising shoppers to consider buying key home goods now, before higher import duties fully impact the market in early 2026. Lauren Murphy, Managing Director of Wells Fargo Retail Finance, explained that retailers have been strategically managing their stock to cushion the initial blow. "Stores have largely tried to either hold or modestly increase prices this holiday season, with many offering targeted promotions and even deeper discounts on select items," Murphy told Fox Business.
She revealed that in early 2025, many retailers "strategically front-loaded inventory purchases" ahead of the anticipated additional tariffs. However, this buffer is temporary. Murphy warned that the new duties will likely make subsequent shipments more expensive, and these increased costs are expected to be passed on to consumers by 2026.
Why Furniture is in the Firing Line
The home furnishings sector is identified as being particularly vulnerable. Neil Saunders, Managing Director at GlobalData, confirmed to The Daily Mail that "tariffs have not yet been passed across in full, so it is reasonable to expect some price increases in 2026." He emphasised that "this especially applies to home furnishings as they have been subjected to sector specific tariffs."
Furniture's high base cost makes it especially sensitive to tariff increases. Lauren Murphy noted that even a seemingly modest 10 percent price hike could be enough to deter a significant number of potential buyers from the market. Unlike other retail categories, home goods retailers are heavily reliant on imported products and lack the capacity to easily absorb these new costs, making price rises almost inevitable.
Broader Impact and Consumer Strategy
While furniture is at the forefront, other categories like apparel will also be affected, though more gradually due to their generally lower price points softening the initial impact. The warning comes as some sectors, such as groceries, have already experienced sharp price increases due to tariffs. Shorter supply chains for food and beverage meant new costs appeared on shelves much faster.
Neil Saunders offered a note of caution for retailers and advice for consumers. "Retailers will need to act with care as demand is still weak and consumers may simply shun those chains that push up prices too much," he said. His recommendation for bargain hunters? "Consumers should shop around for furnishings as some channels like resale and off-price will still have very sharp prices."
The consensus from financial and retail analysts is clear: for major household purchases planned in the next few years, acting in the near term could lead to substantial savings before the expected price adjustments take hold across the UK market.
