Introduction

Verdict Research: This report takes an in depth look at the UK furniture & floorcoverings retail market in 2007. It looks separately at both the furniture and floorcoverings sectors, the key players in the market, and at the key factors impacting their performance.

Scope

Comprehensive market coverage - 10 years' data on furniture & floorcoverings expenditure. Market shares and key operating statistics of leading specialist and non-specialist operators. Retailer profiles include sales, operating profit and margins, sales per sq ft, store and space growth plus retail operations and company outlook.

Highlights

2007 is set to be a robust year for the furniture & floorcoverings market despite five interest rate rises over the last 18 months. Consumer confidence remained high - particularly during the first half - with customers continuing to make big ticket purchases. However, the second half of the year has been tougher. After gaining furniture market leadership in 2006 Argos has consolidated its position as the UK's number one furniture retailer. Additional stores and the continued development of its multi-channel strategy have been the key reasons for its success. The floorcoverings sector has had another disappointing year. Though the performance of the housing market and the five interest rate rises have impacted the market, the most significant brake on the floorcoverings sub sector is the lack of innovation and excitement in both the products themselves, and the retailing of them.

Reasons to Purchase

Benchmark performance across the sector on key operating parameters using unique market share data, comparable sales densities and operating margins. Make informed strategic decisions using this report's 10 year datasets displaying the market's evolution. Be aware of the challenges that face all operators in the market as well those of different retail formats to ensure productive, growth plans.