The Cotswold Company Reports Robust Christmas Trading Performance

The Cotswold Company has delivered impressive festive trading results, posting a 14 per cent increase in like-for-like sales during the ten week period to 28 December. The premium furniture retailer, which ranks amongst the first to disclose seasonal performance metrics, reported total revenues of £23.2 million, representing a 17 per cent uplift on the equivalent 2024 period. This performance notably exceeds broader market trends within the homeware and furniture sector.

Physical retail operations proved the primary driver of this expansion. Store sales surged by 32 per cent following the completion of new showroom openings, including a recently launched location in Chichester retail park. The company’s e-commerce channel delivered more modest but nonetheless solid growth, with online revenues climbing 13 per cent year on year.

The Cotswold Company’s customer base expanded substantially during the review period. Active customer numbers, defined as individuals who have completed at least one transaction within the preceding 18 months, reached 300,000; an increase of 21 per cent compared to the prior year. Chief executive Ralph Tucker attributed the strong performance to sustained consumer demand for quality manufactured furniture, despite an increasingly promotional retail environment across the wider category.

The company, established in 1996 in Bourton on Water within the Cotswolds heartland, occupies the premium market segment. Its product range encompasses solid wood furniture, upholstery and home accessories, with bespoke sofas commanding retail prices in excess of £1,000. The business operates 14 showrooms following December’s Chichester opening and has signalled intentions to expand further with additional locations scheduled for 2026.

Private equity ownership since 2016 by True has provided the platform for this expansion strategy. Market speculation regarding a potential divestment of the business surfaced during autumn 2025. Management has confirmed continued investment in brand development and retail infrastructure to support its ambition of becoming the United Kingdom’s leading premium handcrafted homeware provider.

The Cotswold Company’s trading update precedes a significant reporting calendar, with major retailers including Next, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco due to publish Christmas period results during the coming week. The sector-wide data will provide critical context for assessing whether the Cotswold Company’s performance represents genuine market outperformance or reflects broader consumer spending patterns.