A new research report from kitchen and appliance distributor LDD UK has revealed that nearly half (46%) of independent retailers reported a decline in sales over the past 12 months.

Navigating one of the toughest trading environments in recent times, retailers provided their views on a wide range of industry topics as part of the Independent Kitchen Retailer Report 2026.

Commissioned by LDD UK and conducted by Censuswide, the quantitative study set out to better understand the current landscape of LDD UK’s partners – the independent kitchen retailers it works with across the United Kingdom.

Key findings

  • 46% of business decision-makers surveyed reported falling sales in the past year
  • Almost half of businesses surveyed (46%) say trading conditions are tougher than in 2020
  • London respondents were the hardest hit: 54% report falling sales; Scotland respondents least affected: 38%
  • Younger businesses surveyed (3–5 years old) were the most impacted with 51% reporting lower sales
  • 1 in 3 businesses still managed to grow despite headwinds
  • Positive growth is often linked to strong regional positioning, niche sectors, or exceptional customer relationships

Despite the difficult landscape, the report found that some businesses, particularly those with strong customer relationships or a clear regional focus, are bucking the trend and continuing to grow.

Arthur B. Leaker, Founder and Managing Director of LDD UK, commented: “The findings of the research are a reminder of how challenging it is for independent kitchen retailers at the moment. Agility, customer connection, and local insight remain vital ingredients for success. It’s not all doom and gloom thankfully, and we’re encouraged by the ways in which independents are adapting, as well as the positive outlook many decision-makers have for the future of their businesses.”

Sales slump but room for optimism?

Whilst the report found that sales are under pressure, customer expectations are increasing and competition from online and national brands continues to grow, resilience was clearly evident.

Just over half of business decision makers (54%) expressed confidence in their business prospects for the next year and those surveyed provided the advice they think is most valuable for other independent kitchen retailers attempting to thrive in the current market.

The most important advice for success in 2026 according to retailers surveyed is:

  • Building strong, long-term relationships with trusted suppliers and distributors (29%)
  • Delivering exceptional customer service (24%)
  • Investing in digital tools and online visibility (21%)

Arthur added: “What we’re seeing is how the best differentiate themselves, and their cautious confidence suggests that independent kitchen retailers are embracing the challenge.

“Adaptability is key during difficult trading periods and the advice the report uncovered was that those who put emphasis on their relationships, with suppliers, distributors and customers, are best placed for future success.”

About the report and LDD UK

The full Independent Kitchen Retailer Report 2026 is available to download from LDD UK. The research explores the market, the challenges holding customers back, and the opportunities that offer the greatest potential for growth this year.

The report is based on responses from 250 business decision makers (age 18+) in independent kitchen retailers across Greater London, the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber and Scotland. Businesses surveyed had up to 20 staff, under £10 million turnover, and had been trading for 12 months or longer.

LDD UK was founded to serve kitchen specialists, builders, developers and merchants in the year 2000. Since then, the longstanding family business has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent kitchen and appliance distributors, maintaining a stockholding of more than £5M and serving the entire United Kingdom from its 500,000 sq. ft premises in Newhouse, Lanarkshire.

Download the Independent Kitchen Retailer Report 2026 here: https://www.leakerdirect.co.uk/Info/Informing-the-Independent. For more information, please email marketing@ldduk.co.uk or visit: https://www.ldduk.co.uk/