Signs are pointing to the beginning of a U.S. floor coverings sales recovery. Catalina Research estimates U.S. square foot sales is projected to increase by 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2024. This follows a 1.9 percent gain in the fourth quarter of 2023. Catalina came to this conclusion based on an estimated 4.0 percent to 5.0 percent increase in U.S. floor coverings square foot imports in the fourth quarter of 2023. This data was uncovered in the December issue of the Catalina Floor Coverings Quarterly Update (https://catalinareports.com/product/floor-coverings-quarterly-update/). These increases came after five quarters of declining square foot sales.

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An upturn in square foot floor coverings sales reflects a moderating decline in U.S. housing demand. Total U.S. housing demand could decrease by only 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2024 after a 7.5 percent decline in the fourth quarter of 2023. Housing demand dropped an average of 21.0 percent per quarter over the previous five quarters. The moderating decline in housing demand reflects the halving of the decrease in existing home sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the beginning of an upturn in new single-family home construction. Square foot sales also received a boost from retailers restocking their inventories after 18 months of liquidating excess inventories.

However, there are many “ifs” if U.S. floor coverings sales can sustain a sales recovery for the entire year.

• Manufacturer sales will strengthen further if retailers continue to add to inventories in anticipation of increasing consumer demand.
• Consumer demand will increase if consumer sentiment continues to increase after a rise in December, the first increase in four months.
• Consumer sentiment will continue to rise if the stock market remains on an upward trend.
• The stock market will remain on an upward trend if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in the spring.
• The Federal Reserve will cut interest rates if inflation continues to decline.
• The housing market will start a significant rebound if inflation and interest rates drop due to pent up demand.
• And consumer floor coverings spending will turn positive if housing demand increases significantly.
• Consumer spending must recover from the sharp 2023 decline if total U.S. floor covering manufacturer sales can increase during 2024.

See how these “ifs” could play out during 2024 in the Catalina Floor Coverings Outlook 2024 Report (https://catalinareports.com/product/floor-coverings-industry-outlook-2024/). The report uncovers the actions needed to outperform industry growth and increase market share over the next year. The report also provides a five-year forecast by product. In addition, the report indicates how macro-economic trends will affect the builder, consumer and commercial markets.

Visit www.CatalinaReports.com for more information.