Carpet and Rug Sales Expected to Fly Past $20 Billion by 2010

New York, February 24, 2006 — Increased innovation in design and construction, coupled with a vibrant economy, are working like magic in the world of carpets and rugs, where sales upwards of $20 billion are expected by 2010, according to The U.S. Market for Carpets and Rugs, a new report from market research publisher Specialists in Business Information (SBI), a division of MarketResearch.com.

While tufted carpets and rugs account for 77% of the market, heavy growth in the woven sector—26.7% in 2004 over 2003—helped fuel a nearly $2 billion increase in overall sales between 2003 and 2004. This in turn helped 2005 overall sales reach $16.24 billion, with heavy demand from DIY home improvers and new home builders.

Although carpet’s share of the overall flooring market has declined slightly over the years due to a shift in consumer preference for hard flooring, it still holds a 65% share of the market. However, with the intense popularity of newer hard-flooring products, such as environmentally friendly cork and bamboo, carpet manufacturers are scrambling to stave off increased losses in market share.

“There’s an industry-wide effort to continue riding the growth trend experienced in the last two years as manufacturers dare to be bolder by using more flamboyant colors, textures, and materials—both man-made and natural,” said Don Montuori, the publisher of SBI. “Manufacturers are also focusing on key demographics, such as Boomers, Echo-Boomers, younger teens, and Hispanics, while expanding into niche markets such as high-end carpet tiles and premium hand-knotted rugs—markets favored by those with greater disposable income.”

Containing comprehensive data on U.S. shipments, imports and exports, end-use markets, purchaser demographics, and the competitive environment, The U.S. Market for Carpets and Rugs identifies key issues and trends affecting the marketplace, and profiles major marketers along with manufacturer and retailer strategies used to maximize growth and profitability. Priced at $3,000, this report can be purchased directly from SBI by clicking: http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?xs=r&productid=1189574. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Specialists in Business Information
Specialists in Business Information (SBI), a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, construction, materials, and consumer goods markets. For more information visit http://www.marketresearch.com/vendors/viewvendor.asp?VendorID=775, or contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.