Retail sales of casual and outdoor furniture will reach over $4.8 billion in 2005, thanks to strong home sales, home renovation and interest in outdoor living. Innovation in style, design, fabrics and materials has expanded the selection across all price points. However, competition from imports has limited profit margins for domestic manufacturers, and prompted many to shift production overseas or establish partnerships with Asian companies.

Retail sales of casual and outdoor furniture will reach over $4.8 billion in 2005, thanks to strong home sales, home renovation and interest in outdoor living. Innovation in style, design, fabrics and materials has expanded the selection across all price points. However, competition from imports has limited profit margins for domestic manufacturers, and prompted many to shift production overseas or establish partnerships with Asian companies.

In this report, Mintel clearly identifies the principal external factors driving or curtailing growth in the outdoor and casual furniture market. As a purchase related to the home, broader economic factors such as economic prosperity, home ownership and home sales are underlying drivers for casual furniture. Discretionary income, shifting demographics, trends in home improvement and the influx of cheaper imported furniture have all shaped the casual and outdoor furniture market.

Exclusive consumer research reveals the attitudes, needs and behavior of outdoor and casual furniture consumers, with analysis broken down by demographic characteristics. Six years of specific sales data provides a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. Mintel also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market, both by material (metal, plastic, wicker, wood) and product type (seating, tables, umbrellas and other products). Mintel also provides details of major companies and brands in the casual and outdoor furniture market.

Mintel uses the SPSS forecasting package to create a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales in the casual and outdoor furniture market, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development. Continued sales growth will come largely from homeowners replacing old furniture or upgrading to more stylish products, especially in the process of renovating their home and outdoor living spaces. From 2006 to 2010, sales growth will be propelled by aging baby boomers, who will upgrade to higher-end products, and young, ethnically diverse homeowners, who will seek stylish, but inexpensive products. Mintel predicts moderate but steady through 2010.

This report includes all furniture designed and marketed for outdoor use in the porch, patio, poolside or garden area of the home. It also includes furniture designed for beach going, camping and other recreational activities. Furniture may be made of metal, plastic, rattan-/wicker and wood and includes products such as seating products (chairs, love seats, settees, stools, ottomans, benches and lounge chairs), tables, cushions and umbrellas.

The report includes only that furniture intended for consumer use. Not included are indoor furniture or furniture for commercial or institutional use. The market also excludes other home appliances and décor, including carpets, drapes, accents and built-ins. Electrical goods such as lamps as well as minor furnishings such as jewelry boxes are also excluded.