Outdoor Furniture - US - June 2007

Abstract

This report explores the outdoor furniture market, discussing how the trend toward outdoor living has helped drive the market. The most important trends are elaborate lighting, more comfortable seating, fire-pits and luxurious new materials.

Other drivers include housing sales, outdoor renovation, demographic changes, the Internet and environmental concerns. The outdoor furniture market has also been profoundly affected by the significant growth of imported products. The impact of this trend on product selection, supply structure and retailers is thoroughly explored.

The consumer section of this report examines ownership, purchasing levels, attitudes and retail preferences of outdoor furniture consumers. In particular, it offers insights into the preferences and habits of major consumer groups, including Baby Boomers, younger consumers and Hispanics. Regional differences in outdoor furniture purchasing are also explored.

The outdoor furniture market embraces a range of products that can be segmented on the basis of material or product type. The strong growth of wicker and metal segments from 2004-06 is examined, together with major product trends and innovations. Other trends affecting outdoor furniture products include the use of new, more weather-resistant fabrics and integration of more environmentally sensitive production practices. Trends in style, color and products for 2006-07 are also examined.