Gear4music sales growth slows amid hot summer

Musical instruments retailer Gear4music has revealed a slowdown in sales growth over the summer, as an unusually prolonged spell of hot weather put the brakes on trading.

The North Yorkshire-based group said sales rose 7.3% year on year in the five months to 31 August, with trading remaining in line with board expectations.

But the retailer said sales growth moderated during July and August, blaming an unusually prolonged period of hot weather.

The performance also comes against a tough comparison, with Gear4music having delivered “very strong growth” during the corresponding period of its previous financial year.

Executive chair Andrew Wass told the company’s annual general meeting today: “Trading during the financial year to date is in line with the Board’s expectations, with sales for the five months to 31 August 2026 up 7.3% year on year.

“We are pleased with this progress, particularly given that sales growth moderated during July and August amid an unusually prolonged period of hot weather, and against the very strong growth achieved in the corresponding period of FY26.”

Gear4music, which describes itself as the UK’s largest retailer of musical instruments and music equipment, sells everything from guitars and keyboards to recording equipment and DJ kit.

The latest figures give an early snapshot of trading in the new financial year, with the group maintaining sales growth despite the more challenging summer comparison.

The company will provide a fuller picture of performance when it publishes its trading update for the six months to 30 September on 20 October.

Half-year results will follow on 17 November.