How the list was compiled

Estimates and projections for infant furniture sales were developed by Kids Today market research working with Easy Analytic Software Inc. (EASI) at the same time they developed estimates for other furniture product categories. 2005 sales estimates are based on data available through November 2005 and are subject to revision as additional data become available. Estimates are based on information from the Department of Commerce, the International Trade Commission, sales estimates from manufacturers and retailers, Furniture/Today's Consumer Buying Trends Survey, the Furniture Store Performance Report, Kids Today Store operations survey and discussions with industry executives and analysts.

Segment figures were aggregated by Furniture/Today and statisticians at EASI. EASI matched demographic data (for example, age and income) gathered by Furniture/Today's Consumer Buying Trends survey against other data sources, such as the Bureau of the Census, the Department of Justice, the National Center for Education Statistics and the Department of Labor, using a series of statistical models to develop estimates by metro markets.

EASI's highly accurate models are regression curves based upon a variety of factors designed to forecast changes that include growth and the interrelationship of variables. EASI's projections for 2010 are designed to forecast the changes that statistically adjust for household income, age by race and sex, group quarter population, births and deaths, among numerous other updating and forecasting factors. Spending forecasts assume a national rate of inflation that does not vary from one location to another.

In addition to the state-level data presented here, data are available for Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSA), defined as a geographic entity consisting of the county or counties containing one or more cores (urbanized areas or settlement clusters or both) that together have at least 10,000 population, plus adjacent counties having a high degree of social and economic integration with the core(s) measured through commuting patterns.

Within this broad definition, large metros, called Metropolitan Statistical Areas, have at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more population. Small metros, called Micropolitan Statistical Areas, have at least one urban cluster with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. Both designations include adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core measured by commuting ties. The designations are mandated by the Office of Management and Budget and are used by government agencies for statistical reporting purposes.

Furniture/Today and Easy Analytic Software have prepared sales estimates and projections for total furniture and bedding sales, as well as estimates and projections for individual product categories, in a series of Product Potential Reports. Each Product Potential Report gives estimated 2005 sales and projected 2010 sales, with percentage change for a specific product (for example, recliners or master bedroom) for more than 900 metropolitan areas. Each one also has state-level data for the product. Product Potential Reports may be ordered online at www.furnituretoday.com.

Product categories available are:

Master bedroom

Youth, other adult bedroom furniture

Kitchen, dinette furniture

Dining room furniture

Entertainment furniture

Curios

Cocktail, end, coffee, sofa tables

Desks, other home office furniture

Stationary sofas

Stationary chairs

Reclining chairs

Swivel, glider rockers

Motion sofas

Sofa sleepers, futons

Mattress, box springs

Infant furniture

Porch, patio, pool, outdoor furniture

Area rugs

Lamps

Wall décor

Decorative pillows

Also available are Metro Potential Reports that give the spending estimated in 2005 for each of the product categories listed above for the metro, along with projected spending in 2010. Armed with this information, retailers can calculate their own share of market in their trading area. In addition to home furnishings spending estimates, Market Potential Reports also give demographic information on the metro area, including breakdowns by age, income and ethnicity, showing how this are projected to change over time.

Visit the Research page on Furniture/Today Web site and click on EASI to learn more.