It provides statistical data and forecasts on the upholstered furniture industry in Britain including information on the value of manufacturers' deliveries for all sectors of the market. The report also covers distribution channels, advertising and trade exhibitions with profiles of major manufacturers.

The report indicates that sales of domestic furniture in the UK increased by 3% in 2004. This was followed by a decline of 2.6% in 2005, the first fall for many years. However, sales are now increasing again and the projections for 2007 are also positive. In real terms the market has grown by 29% since 1995, compared with an increase of 47% in absolute terms.

Sales of settees, fireside, easy and reclining chairs reached £1435 million in 2005. These products dominate the upholstered furniture sector with 91% of the total market. Leather finishes continue to capture market share in both volume and value terms. Sales of these products account for 46% in volume terms and 54% in value terms. Cotton fabrics account for most of the rest.

Competition is fierce throughout the industry as witnessed by the demise of the Christie-Tyler group as a major force in the upholstery segment. In addition, several smaller companies have gone into receivership.

Multiple furnishing outlets—including specialist groups such as DFS, ScS, and Land of Leather—are the main outlets for upholstered furniture with a 40% share, compared with independent outlets which hold 19% of total sales.

Imports continue to advance strongly, with supplies from outside the EEC accounting for a growing share. Imported upholstered furniture totalled approximately £606 million in 2005, or 39% of the total market in value terms. Italian upholstery manufacturer Natuzzi is a major supplier to the UK with sales of around £40 million.

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