Abstract
This report assesses the household linens market since the last Mintel report
was published in January 2006. Over the last two years market growth has all
but ground to a halt. Supermarkets and fashion retailers have tempted
consumers with products so cheap, they' re too good to miss out on. Other
retailers have been forced to rely on widespread promotional discounts,
effectively devaluing the market. But it' s not all bad news. Although
consumers are paying less, they are tending to buy more frequently and those
that can afford to can indulge themselves with luxurious and environmentally
sustainable products.
For the purposes of this report, the term ‘household linen’
covers the following:
Bedding products:
- Filled products - duvets, pillows, mattress toppers (regardless of filling)
- Mattress covers
- Duvet covers (including sets comprising duvet covers and pillowcases)
- Sheets, valances, pillowcases
- Blankets, bedspreads, ‘comforters’, throws, bed runners
- Bolsters, neckrolls, cushions positioned for bed accessorising
Bathroom textiles:
- Towels (including beach towels)
- Bathmats
Other household linen:
- Tablecloths, napkins, place mats (individually and in sets)
- Tea towels and kitchen towels.