Domestic Window Coverings - 5 key facts

Did you know...

1) Window coverings are valued at over £1.1 billion at retail prices in the UK.

2) Curtains are the largest sector, accounting for close to 50% of the market.

3) Blinds are the second largest sector, with venetian blinds accounting for over 30% of the sector.

4) Mail order/catalogue and the internet represent growing channels for window coverings – accounting for over 25% of sales.

5) Future prospects are for steady growth of around 3% per annum over the next 2 years.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Domestic Window Coverings Market Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Steady growth over the next 4 years in the UK Commercial Washrooms Market

The UK commercial washrooms market increased by 3% in 2014 compared to 2013, reflecting the improving market conditions post-recession within the non-domestic construction industry. The UK market is now showing some signs of recovery, following a static period over the past 5 years. The upward trend is driven by stronger RMI activity in non-residential sectors, allied to more positive new work activity.

Washroom panel systems continue to account for the largest sector of the market, followed by sanitaryware, brassware, showers/mixers and baths. It is estimated that around two thirds of commercial washroom products are distributed via trade channels such as builders / plumbers’ merchants and distributors. The remainder represents mainly direct sales from supplier to end-user and includes online.

The recession saw the emergence of more cost effective solutions within the commercial washroom environment, to cater for a range of budgets. At the same time, it is apparent that the trend towards higher value products with contemporary design has continued at the more premium end of the marketplace, driven by the private sector, such as upmarket hotels and leisure schemes. Applications include brass fittings and personalised logos to provide a customised feel. Manufacturers also appear increasingly focused upon specification-led work, providing total solutions for each application, such as education, healthcare and offices.   

There has also been an emphasis upon increased functionality within the commercial washrooms market, including greater use of intelligent technology to control water flow and temperature, as well as baths and showers with sensory options to provide a personalised experience. There is greater incorporation of energy efficient and water saving solutions across the commercial washrooms market, driven by legislation and the introduction of the Water Label.

“The high level of price competition, which is currently a feature of this market, is expected to continue, potentially curbing overall value growth within the marketplace. However, manufacturers will seek to offset this by focussing upon added value design, quality and performance” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The baths sector is likely to continue to face competition from showers, which are becoming more popular, and the more muted performance of the health sector and the potential trend towards smaller premises with more local delivery will exacerbate this trend.”

The overall commercial washrooms market is likely to show year on year growth over the next 4 years, as key application areas for commercial washrooms, such as entertainment & leisure and offices, benefit from private investment in RMI activity and the construction market as a whole sees gradual improvement. The entertainment and leisure sector has been relatively resilient to the recession and growth in the budget hotels sector has helped to counter balance the decline in food service and the larger scale sports facilities that were associated with the Olympics. However, continuing economic uncertainty due to high levels of debt within the Eurozone and planned budget cuts within the public sector, especially in health and education, may all restrict rates of growth.

The market is forecast to have increased by around 11% in 2019, to reach a value of around £340m at manufacturers’ selling prices.

The ‘Commercial Washrooms Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

UK Garden Products market set for further growth

The UK domestic garden products market is valued at around £5bn and has grown by an estimated 8% in 2014 according to a new report from AMA Research. Market forecasts are for further steady underlying growth to 2019, with the market benefiting from pent up demand in many product areas and a stronger performance in the housing market in the next couple of years - though the weather will always impact on the market in any given year.

Key product sectors in the market by value are horticulture – accounting for almost a 25% share – while garden sundries, garden buildings, garden equipment, leisure and chemicals all have shares typically ranging from around 10-20% of the total market. Individual sectors of the garden products distribution market perform differently - horticulture for example, benefited from the boom in GYO, conservatories have returned to growth since 2011, the fencing sector performed particularly well in 2014 due to the winter storms, and garden leisure has benefited from homeowners increasingly moving upmarket and using the garden as an ‘extra room’. Decking, however, is experiencing an underlying decline as its popularity appears to be falling.

Annual growth rates in this sector are influenced by prevailing weather conditions and market performance fluctuations reflect this variability. Also impacting on market performance are the UK economy and consumer confidence & spending, although the sector has tended to cope well with economic downturns, not suffering as badly as some other consumer markets. The market benefits from underlying trends for outdoor living, environmental concerns, and an ageing population that are generally more interested in gardening, however, the number of apartments and smaller size of UK gardens in new properties negatively impacts on the market in the longer term.

Distribution of garden products is complex and fragmented, consisting of a wide range of products distributed through a range of channels. Garden centres account for over 20% of total sales and are a key channel for horticulture, while DIY multiples are the largest channel and a key outlet for garden equipment & leisure products, and direct sales are important for garden buildings. In terms of product distribution, it is expected that DIY multiples and garden centres will remain the key distribution channels, but the Internet accounts for around 7-8% and mobile technology as a means of researching and buying products will continue to grow.

“Growth is forecast for most product sectors, but given the high maturity of most product sectors of the market, underlying growth rates are forecast to be more modest in the medium and long term, at a level of around 2-4% to 2019” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “Having said that, the development of some niche, less mature products, such as garden rooms - and a move upmarket in other sectors such as leisure products - are expected to benefit the market as these will experience slightly higher levels of growth.”

The ‘Garden Products Distribution Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Garden Leisure - 5 Key Facts

Did you know.... 

1) The domestic garden leisure market is worth around £600m.

2) Metal products account for over 40% of the garden furniture market.

3) The top 5 suppliers account for a combined share of around 30% of the garden furniture market. 

4) The barbeque market (including fuel and accessories) is valued at nearly £200m in the UK with 2014 a good year for the sector.

5) DIY multiples are the largest channel, but the mail order/internet channel is growing and now accounts for around 20% of sales.


These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Garden Leisure Market Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.