INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW 

AMA Research has recently published the 6th edition of the "Upholstered Furniture & Beds Market - UK 2004" report. The report incorporates original research and provides a comprehensive review of the market, with information collated from a wide range of trade and other sources and not simply a collection of government statistics. Data and comment is therefore specific and relevant to the markets involved.

Key sectors covered include:-

UPHOLSTERY:

• Sofas and arm chairs

• Action furniture

• Sofa beds

BEDS:

• Divan sets

• Bedsteads

• Mattresses

• Other (e.g. bunk beds, waterbeds, futons).

Individual product sectors are covered in detail, with a review of recent trends, interpretation of current developments and future prospects. The report answers the need for both a comprehensive review of quantitative market developments combined with analysis of the qualitative background reasons and influences affecting the market.

Key issues covered include: -

UPHOLSTERY

• Market growth since 1999, current trends and forecasts to 2009. Key underlying trends e.g. price competition, distribution and product trends.

• Imports & exports for main product groups, and key trends - growth of imports and affects on UK market etc.

• Sales mix by product type i.e. sofas & armchairs, action furniture, others including sofa beds. Review of each product, key trends, changing product mix, strengths and weaknesses, key suppliers.

• Sales mix by materials; fabric & leather covers, fillings - changing trends in material usage, comparisons with previous years, key suppliers.

• Retail price mix and key underlying trends.

• Sales mix according to end use i.e. domestic and contract, key trends in contract sector.

• Suppliers of upholstery and market shares for leading companies. Review of major suppliers, market positioning etc.

BEDS & MATTRESSES

• Market growth since 1999, current trends and forecasts to 2009. Key underlying trends e.g. trading up in certain sectors, the growth of niche sectors, the impact of lower value bedsteads etc.

• Imports and exports for main product groups, key trends and influences on UK market.

• Share of market by product type: Double beds and single beds by volume and value including key trends.

• Sales mix by product type i.e. divan sets, bedsteads, mattresses and other. Review of each product sector including adjustable beds, key trends and growth sectors, changing mix, comparisons with previous years, strengths and weaknesses, key suppliers.

• Sales mix by mattress support type including rubber, plastic and spring, and key trends within each sector.

• Sales mix according to end use i.e. domestic and contract, key trends in contract sector.

• Suppliers of beds & mattresses and market shares for leading companies. Review of major suppliers, market positioning etc.

DISTRIBUTION / SUPPLIERS PER MARKET

• Summary of key trends within the distribution channels, including furniture multiples and direct channels such as the Internet.

• Major channels of distribution - multiples, independents, department stores, Internet etc. - shares by type of outlets, areas of growth/decline, future trends.

• Summary of key distribution/retailing companies within major distribution channels.

• Summary of key suppliers, product and market positioning, growing companies, changes in supply structure etc.

REVIEW OF FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Developments of key products sectors within the upholstered furniture and beds markets, including the growth of leather, action furniture and bedsteads.

The report contains over 100 pages of original research and comment offering incisive and thought-provoking views on this market.