Paint Wallpaper Profits v The US paint industrys

Paint & Wallpaper Profits v The US paint industry’s total revenues for 2015 were $31. 8 billion, increasing at an annual rate of 4. 4% during the period 2010– 2015. The annual growth will decline to 3. 3% through 2020, with projected total revenues of $37. 4 billion. v Of total industry revenues, 47. 6% represented general residential painting, the largest industry sector, with general non-residential painting second at 35. 1% of revenues. v Total revenues for the wallcoverings market (wallpaper, tile, wall panels and woven fabrics) increased 4. 0% during 2015 to $1. 913 billion. They are projected to increase 4. 0% again for 2016, to $1. 990 billion. Wallpaper accounts for approximately 20%.

Color and Contrasts in Wallcoverings v According to The Paint Dealer magazine, some of the paint trends for 2016 include “fresh and fruity pastel, deep blues contrasted by stark whites, more rainbow coloring, color blocking, flecked and speckled coloring and abundant florals. ” v Another color paint trend, particularly popular among Millennials, is the use of various shades of gray, since it is considered a complex neutral color that integrates with brighter, bolder colors. v Wallpaper trends for 2016 include floral patterns, geometrics, animal skin patterns, fine art reproductions, natural materials patterns, city scenes and vacation destinations and plant life and patterns to bring the outdoors indoor.

Windows & Doors: Bright Business v According to Principia Consulting, the residential and light commercial windows and patio doors market will grow an average of 7% for the 2016– 2017 period, increasing its market value from $8. 3 billion to $8. 9 billion. v Window&Door reported in its 2016 Industry Pulse that 49% of manufacturers said 2015 sales were as projected and 31% said they increased. For suppliers, it was 43% and 25%, and dealers, 54 and 28%, respectively. v Of the distributors and dealers surveyed, 54% said their marketing budget remained the same during 2015 while 43% said they increased their budget. For 2016, 64% said they planned to increase their marketing budget.

Through a Glass Lightly v The traditional/rustic barn door that rolls open and close on a track is a popular trend for interior kitchen, closet and bedroom doors. It works in a country motif as well as providing an eclectic contrast with a contemporary/modern design. v The popularity of merging outdoor and indoor spaces has been the impetus for larger windows without sections or other elements. Craftsman entry doors continue to be popular and their simple lines work with contemporary as well as traditional interiors. v On the cutting edge of technology, windows are being designed to include sensors and microprocessors, so they can adjust their shading as the sunlight changes throughout the day. Light is more consistent and the windows more energyefficient.

US Cabinet Sales Trend, June–Nov. 2015 Month Total Sales Stock Semi-Custom June +9. 2% +17. 4% +0. 9% +13. 7% July +5. 0% +11. 2% -2. 2% +16. 1% August +6. 5% +16. 6% -2. 2% +5. 5% September +8. 9% +14. 4% +4. 3% +6. 9% October +5. 7% +9. 3% +1. 9% +10. 5% +10. 6% +14. 3% +5. 3% +23. 3% +8. 2% +12. 6% +3. 7% +12. 8% November Year-to-Date Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Trend of Business Reports, June–November 2015

Consumer Preferences in Cabinetry v Major design trends in kitchen cabinets for 2016 include simpler cabinet doors; clean lines and subtle designs; upgraded shaker designs with premium woods; white, gray and neutral colors; and a growing popularity in horizontal orientation. v Homebuyers and homeowners are asking for a universal design in their bathrooms for many years of use. Floating vanities and other open, freestanding bathroom fixtures and furniture are popular because they create the illusion of more space. v The builders responding to the Professional Builder’s 2016 Kitchen & Bath survey said that most buyers specify a white painted cabinet finish, at 29. 6%; followed by medium natural, 22. 5%; dark natural, 22. 4%; light natural, 9. 2%; and glazed, 5. 1%.

Advertising Strategies v As with home improvement stores, these home design products dealers are likely to benefit the most from TV advertising during late March and into April for the spring surge in sales. A free assessment or one-hour project consultation could be an excellent incentive. v Another attribute that dealers can promote with TV is how they provide a quick, concise, but complete product selection process. Many consumers, especially Millennials and Generation Xers, will be attracted to a dealer who makes the process easier. v Help window and door dealers create a commercial with theme/message, “Everyone’s Talkin’ About <Dealer Name>, ” to support their success with word-of-mouth. The spot could drive viewers to social media to learn specifically what is being said about the dealer.

Social Media Strategies v Consumers love to do business with dealers they perceive as experts. Promoting the dealer and individual salespeople’s expertise through a blog, videos and podcasts will help distinguish a dealer as the true expert in his or her product sector in the local market. v All of these dealers should include Pinterest as a primary social media platform. It is the perfect forum to create pins to display, contrast and compare all the various products as well as showing how well they integrate with various overall home and room designs. v Encourage customers to post before and after photos of home design projects. Provide customers with an incentive to post reviews about their in-store experience and satisfaction with their home design products.