Market Research - Dining and Occasional Furniture Market - UK 2008 - 2012  from AMA Research

INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW 

On the 30 June 2008, AMA Research will publish the 5th edition of the “Dining and Occasional Furniture Market – UK 2008-2012” report. Estimated at over £750 million in 2007, the market has experienced only moderate growth rates since 2005. The report includes up to date information on recent trends and issues that continue to impact on the market.  The Report contains: DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF THE MARKET - analysis of major developments and trends. ANALYSIS OF MAJOR PRODUCT SECTORS – tables & chairs, coffee tables, occasional tables, entertainment units & cabinets, display cabinets, sideboards, bookcases, etc. REVIEW OF KEY MATERIAL AND SECTOR TRENDS – wood, glass, plastics, etc. REVIEW OF SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE – manufacturers and key distribution channels. FORECASTS OF MARKET DEVELOPMENTS TO 2012.

The sector is both mature and highly fragmented, with increasing competition from imports and new entrants into the market. Market conditions have been difficult and prospects for 2008-09 are deteriorating as consumer confidence and spending is impacted by the credit crisis. Medium and long-term forecasts are more optimistic and the market is expected to recover and show sustained growth in 2010-2012. 

Of particular interest:

• Performance of the overall domestic furniture market and the dining and occasional furniture sectors, including current trends and future prospects. 

• Rising imports - particularly from the Far East and Eastern Europe, which are continuing to put pressure on UK manufacturers.

• Changes to materials mix - increased use of materials other than traditional wood.

• Influence of external economic factors - interest rates, a global credit crisis and uncertainty in the housing market affecting demand for ‘big ticket’ items. 

• Changing family eating habits - influencing new designs of dining furniture.

• Growing demand for multi-purpose furniture and well-designed storage as dwellings become smaller.

Key areas covered in the report include:

THE MARKET 

• Overall UK furniture - market size, key drivers and recent trends.

• UK dining and occasional furniture market - market definition, size and influencing factors.

• Imports, exports and resulting trade balance with list of main countries involved.

• Key market influences - including levels of construction, housing market, economic trends and impact of global credit crisis.

• Future prospects – market size, key market influences and trends affecting market growth to 2012. Short term prospects impacted by a downturn in housebuilding and housemoving activity – difficult to forecast overall trends in 2008/09.

PRODUCT MIX

• Detailed examination of the UK dining and occasional furniture market – key market influences, factors affecting growth, design trends, materials mix, etc.

• Analysis of individual markets by type of product - percentage mix and factors influencing product design.

• Style and design trends - contemporary furniture increases in popularity.

• Mix of materials and finishes - in both dining and occasional furniture sectors.

DISTRIBUTION/SUPPLIERS

• UK furniture industry - analysed by number of companies and turnover size.

• Market share analysis of leading suppliers - dining and occasional furniture market.

• Details of major suppliers - including company structure, key products, etc.

• Major distribution channels - indicating channel share mix and highlighting key organisations within the various channels.

• New entrants – impact of grocery multiples on sector; growth of the Internet, etc.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Review of key economic factors impacting the market.

• Changes to market structure driven by new entrants in to the market.

• Developments in the product styles and materials used in dining and occasional furniture.

• Forecasts of anticipated market performance to 2012 – short term prospects are difficult in 2008/09, but medium term prospects more favourable.

The report is extensive with 80  pages and over 25 tables and charts (see right hand panel for a full listing of contents including tables and charts)