Executive Summary

The UK home furnishings market was worth an estimated £1.77bn in 1996. Overall sales have been virtually static since 1994, having bottomed out in 1993, and have yet to reach sales levels achieved prior to the recession.

The market includes a broad range of soft furnishings and household textiles, including bedding, window dressings, bathroom textiles, table linen, cushions and loose covers.

Trends in this market strongly reflect those in the housing market. However, while the total number of dwellings has increased since 1991, housemoving activity has remained slow. Consequently, the home furnishings market has lost its main incentive to purchase. Nevertheless, since the beginning of the recession, consumer attitudes to their homes have changed, and many are beginning to spend more money on improving and decorating their existing homes.

Bedding and window dressings dominate sales in this market, accounting for 82.5% of the market's total value in 1996. Bedding comprises the largest sector, with 44.6% of sales, while curtains and blinds account for a further 37.9%.

The market is highly fragmented, supporting numerous small companies, often specialising in one sector of the market. At the same time, there are a few large multinationals, such as Coats Viyella and Courtaulds, which operate across the market, and are also involved in a diverse range of other industries. The number of companies active in the market has fallen since the onset of recession, and the market has become intensely competitive.

Traditionally, department stores and mixed retailers have been a major force in the retail distribution of home furnishings. However, their position is increasingly being challenged by specialist shops selling home furnishings alongside housewares. Some do-it-yourself (DIY) chains are also active in this market, and furniture stores are increasingly adding home furnishings to their ranges.

While the market lacks the incentive of an active housing market, it is beginning to benefit from consumers choosing to change the style, or freshen up the image of their existing homes. Key Note forecasts the home furnishings market to increase by 9.8% between 1997 and 2001 to reach £1.97bn.

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