This report provides a collection of statistical data and forecasts on the furniture industry in Britain. It contains information on the value of manufacturers' deliveries for all sectors of this market. The report also covers distribution channels, advertising and trade exhibitions. Major important manufacturers are profiled.

2005 proved to be a poor year for the UK residential furniture industry, with sales declining by 4% and several major companies going into liquidation. The following two years saw some improvements with sales reaching £4950m and £5010m respectively. However, new clouds are at the horizon and sales for 2008 are predicted to decline to a level of about £5005m in 2008 before rebounding again next year. 

1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the research

1.2 Terms of reference

1.3 Methodology

1.4 Research parameters

2.SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

3.THE UK ECONOMY

3.1 General economic appraisal

3.2 Consumers’ expenditure on furniture

4.MARKET SIZE AND STRUCTURE

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Past and present market size

4.3 The market by product group

4.4 Major factors influencing the market

4.5 Geographical distribution of the market

4.6 The market by distribution outlet

4.7 Product trends

5.THE COMPETITION FROM IMPORTED FURNITURE

5.1 Analysis of import penetration

6.ADVERTISING AND SALES PROMOTION

6.1 Direct advertising

6.2 Exhibitions and display

6.3 Sales promotion

7.MAJOR MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS

7.1 The market leaders

7.2 Other important manufacturers

8.THE FUTURE FOR DOMESTIC FURNITURE

8.1 The outlook for the UK economy

8.2 Market forecasts

APPENDICES

Map 1 - Standard Regions in the UK

I - Boundaries of Standard Regions

II - Summary of interviews carried out

III - Definition of product groups within the domestic furniture industry

TABLES AND CHARTS PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT

Chart 1 - Share of total sales of domestic furniture by product group

Chart 2 - Total sales of domestic furniture

Chart 3 - Share of total sales of self-assembly furniture by product group

 

Table 1 - Total gross disposable income in the UK

Table 2 - Real personal disposable income in the UK

Table 3 - Total consumers’ expenditure in the UK

Table 4 - Total value of retail sales of household goods retailers in the UK

Table 5 - Total sales of domestic furniture by product group

Table 6 - Share of total sales of domestic furniture held by product group

Table 7 - Indices of domestic furniture sales and producer prices for selected product groups

Table 8 - Indices of domestic furniture sales and producer prices for selected product groups

Table 9 - Indices of domestic furniture sales volume by product group

Table 10 - Total sales of domestic furniture by selected product type

Table 11 - Total sales of domestic furniture by selected product type

Table 12 - Geographical distribution of sales of domestic furniture and location of households in the UK

Table 13 - Total sales of pine furniture by product type

Table 14 - Total sales of leather upholstery

Table 15 - Total sales of kitchen furniture by distribution outlet

Table 16 - Total sales of upholstered furniture by distribution outlet

Table 17 - Total sales of domestic furniture by distribution outlet

Table 18 - Total sales of self-assembly furniture by product group and proportion of total market

Table 19 - Total imports and exports of domestic furniture

Table 20 - Total imports and exports of domestic furniture by product group

Table 21 - Total direct advertising expenditure in the domestic furniture industry

Table 22 - Rate of import penetration by sector

Table 23 - Total direct advertising expenditure in the domestic furniture industry

Table 24 - Direct advertising expenditure compared with total sales of domestic furniture

Table 25 - Proportion of total direct advertising expenditure allocated to individual product groups

Table 26 - Forecasts for the UK economy

Table 27 - Forecasts by the Treasury

Table 28 - Estimated future size of the UK domestic furniture

Table 29 - Estimated future size of the UK domestic furniture market by product group