INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW 

In this 9th edition of the report, 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:   Latest views and forecasts in light of the deteriorating economic environment. The continued growth of leather and action furniture in the upholstered furniture sector. Changing product mix within the beds market, the growth of bedsteads and the impact of imports on this sector. The growing influence of higher value mattresses in the beds market.

Key areas covered in the report include:

UPHOLSTERY

• Recent market performance, current trends and forecasts to 2010.  Key underlying trends e.g. price competition, distribution and product trends.

• Sales mix by product type i.e. sofas, armchairs, action furniture and 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 and fillings – together with changing trends in material usage and comparisons with previous years, including key suppliers.

• Retail price mix and key underlying trends.

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

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

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

BEDS & MATTRESSES

• Recent market performance, current trends and forecasts to 2010.  Key underlying trends e.g. trading up in certain sectors, the growth of niche sectors, the impact of lower value bedsteads etc.

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

• Market 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.

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

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

• 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 FOR EACH MARKET

• Summary of shares and 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

• Economic influences on the market in the medium term and the development of key product sectors within the upholstered furniture and beds markets.

The report is extensive with over 100 pages and 30 tables and charts (see right hand panel for a full listing of contents including tables and charts)