DFS hails strong early trading as order intake rises

DFS Furniture said it had made a solid start to its new financial year, reporting higher order intake and improved margins across the first 19 weeks of its trading period ended 9 November 2025.

The group said its scale, vertical integration and use of data continued to support performance, adding that both the DFS and Sofology brands had grown order intake against tough comparisons. It said the wider upholstery market remained subdued.

The company said cost-saving measures were helping to lift its gross margin and offset inflationary pressures. It added that supply chain operations had run smoothly during the period.

DFS said it expected to deliver strong year-on-year profit growth in the first half, although it noted uncertainty in the broader economy and around the upcoming Autumn Budget. The group said it remained comfortable with the current range of analyst forecasts for profit before tax and brand amortisation.

A further update is due in the post-close statement on 20 January 2026.

Chief executive Tim Stacey said: “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.”