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Total UK Market for Domestic Window Coverings
2007-2013 by Value (£m at MSP)
 |
AMA Research have published a 2009 update to the
2008-2012 Domestic Window Coverings Market report. The update focuses
on the key elements in the marketplace, bringing up to date the
critical report elements such as market size, product mix, changing
trends, and providing a more recent basis for updating all the
relevant forecasts through to 2013. |
The
domestic window coverings market was estimated to be worth around £1.27bn
RSP in 2008, representing 5% value decline on the previous year.
Key
factors underpinning this recent performance include a deteriorating
economic climate, the downturn in the housing market and declining levels
of consumer confidence, which have resulted in lower spending on
deferrable home furnishings, such as window coverings. In addition, the
decline of the domestic conservatory market has also significantly
affected growth rates for the blinds sector in recent years.
Housebuilding and house moving activities are usually key drivers for the
purchase of window coverings, both of which have experienced significant
downturns in 2008 with the situation deteriorating into H2.
Consumer
confidence has also been affected by growing uncertainties regarding
future job security in sectors such as automotive, construction and some
specialised retail operations.
The window
coverings market has experienced some polarisation in 2008 as some
consumers have traded down to budget and “stop-gap” products, whilst
others have invested in higher ticket, value added products.
Product
mix has remained relatively static in 2008 with curtains taking the
largest value share, with blinds benefiting from increasing use in other
rooms in the homes which has helped to partially (but not fully) off-set
the decline in the market from domestic conservatories.
Current
forecasts indicate that the window coverings market is expected to
decline further in 2009, reflecting continuing uncertainty surrounding
the UK economy. Into the medium-term, indications are for moderate annual
rates of growth to 2013 when the market is expected to reach around
£1.25bn.
The key
driver for future growth is likely to remain the relative underlying
prospects of the housing market which is unlikely to make a rapid
recovery until the restraints on lending for mortgages and home
improvements are significantly eased. | 
