DFS Furniture said its 2026 financial year has begun on solid footing, with order intake rising across the first 19 weeks despite a subdued upholstery market.
In a trading statement issued ahead of today’s AGM, the retailer said orders increased against strong comparatives and remained in line with expectations.
Proprietary banking data indicated that both the DFS and Sofology brands have continued to outperform a wider market that “stayed subdued”.
The group said its ongoing cost-efficiency programme is supporting gross margin gains and helping absorb inflationary pressures.
Combined with steadier supply chain performance and sustained trading momentum, DFS said it is on track to deliver strong year-on-year profit growth in the first half.
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The company also said it remains comfortable with the current range of consensus profit expectations.
Despite uncertainty around the wider macroeconomic environment and the upcoming Autumn Budget, the retailer said its outlook remains positive.
Chief executive Tim Stacey said in a statement: “By continuing to execute our strategy we have made a strong start to the year.
“Despite the upholstery market remaining subdued, we have grown order intake across both our retail brands, ahead of the market, and progressed our gross margin and cost base initiatives leaving us in a good position to deliver strong first half year-on-year profit growth.
“Our customer proposition is in great shape and our medium-term outlook remains positive. Whilst the macroeconomic backdrop remains uncertain in the short term we will keep focusing on what we can control.”
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