| The real estate market may be slowing down, but | | | | globalization. As more furniture is imported, it |
| there doesn't seem to be a corresponding slow-down | | | | becomes more difficult for American companies to |
| in the number of sales of furnishings that will go into | | | | compete as consumer prices continue to decline. |
| people's homes. In fact, the opposite seems to be | | | | That may prove advantageous to consumers, but it |
| happening across the country. For instance, | | | | will cause an increasing number of problems for U.S. |
| California-based Dacor, a kitchen appliance company, | | | | furniture companies.There are several ways American |
| reports that their sales for the first quarter of 2006 | | | | furniture companies are fighting back against their |
| were up some 25 percent from the same period of | | | | foreign competition, especially when it comes to |
| 2005. Another kitchen appliance supplier, | | | | innovation and increased efficiency. After centuries of |
| Pittsburg-based Sub-Zero, saw their sales jump nearly | | | | experience with American consumers, U.S. furniture |
| 30 percent during that same period. What's driving | | | | suppliers have a firm grasp on what their clients need |
| the startling rise in the home furnishings market? The | | | | and want when it comes to furnishing their homes. |
| factors are complex, but the fact remains that the | | | | One of the most significant trends in recent years |
| numbers are definitely rising, in spite of a softening | | | | has been the migration of suburban homeowners |
| real estate market. Part of the reason for the | | | | back to urban areas. Since they've often done quite |
| increase is that whether homebuyers are purchasing | | | | well when they sold their suburban homes, these |
| a new or existing house, they will spend an average | | | | buyers can afford to upgrade both their living spaces |
| of $6,000 during their first year of ownership as they | | | | and the furnishing they fill them with. With that trend |
| begin the task of turning their new homes into a | | | | also comes a rethinking of interior spaces such as the |
| more accurate reflection of who they are and how | | | | kitchen. Homeowners want appliances and furniture |
| they choose to live. So even in the face of a slowing | | | | that allows them to create an integrated feel |
| real estate market, homebuyers are still spending | | | | throughout their homes. For example, kitchens have |
| significant sums of money to upgrade and furnish | | | | become much more than just places to cook meals. |
| their new homes, which makes the home furnishing | | | | They're now gathering places, as well, and innovative |
| industry somewhat less susceptible to downturns in | | | | furniture allows homeowners to combine function |
| home sales. In fact, the American furniture industry is | | | | with style and utility. Things may be slowing down for |
| actually twice as large as the country’s music | | | | the housing market, but the past few years have |
| industry overall. | | | | been excellent for companies dedicated to helping |
| However, as is the case in all phases of the American | | | | homeowners fill those houses with furniture and |
| economy, the home furnishings industry is facing | | | | appliances that can fit any type of taste, lifestyle, |
| challenges from increasing competition from | | | | and budget. Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. |