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Tiles market growth forecast for 2017
A new report on the UK bathroom market from MTW Research indicates that sales have remained resilient for most bathroom products in 2016 with consumer spending set to remain strong in 2017, despite a recent 'Brexit Blip'.
Forward ordering of currencies and clear strategic planning has offset the impact of a weakening Sterling for most bathroom suppliers in 2016 according to the report, though MTW indicates that average prices are now exhibiting some upward momentum. However, the research found that the uplift in prices is related to healthy demand in the higher value bathroom sector as well as the low value of Sterling across low-mid value price points.
Total bathroom market sales have increased by more than £230 million in the last six years, reports MTW, boosted by rising average spending on bathroom renovations, supported by housing transactions increasing by some 15% per annum underpinning volume demand as well.
Discussing the findings, MTW's director Mark Waddy comments: "Growth in the number of ensuites, cloakrooms, WCs under stairs and smaller family bathrooms represents an ongoing stimulus for bathroom suppliers, with UK consumers renovating some than 830,000 bathrooms in 2016".
The report identifies a number of current trends in the bathroom market in 2016 with wall hung vanity units and sanitaryware, digital showers and IoT (Internet of Things) integration currently on trend and providing sales growth.
Market sizes and trends for each product sector are also discussed with MTW finding that the bathroom lighting market and furniture sectors are exhibiting above average growth, with bathroom accessories also selling well, as consumers continue to seek 'maximum impact for minimum effort'.
The research also reviews bathroom distribution channel shares and trends, assessing the impact of the burgeoning internet retail market in 2016. MTW suggests that, whilst there has been some price erosion within this channel, rising personal incomes and consumer preferences for higher value products are offsetting the 'e-commerce threat' to some extent, providing growth opportunities for specialist bathroom retailers and manufacturers.
Discussing future prospects, Mark Waddy continues: "Bathroom product sales are set to increase by some £170 million in the next four years, despite some sectors experiencing price erosion, indicating a positive future for bathroom suppliers that have clear market positions.
"Technological and aesthetic product development will support sales growth, though the recent CMA (Competition & Markets Authority) ruling on internet distribution policies, will prompt suppliers to closely examine their distribution strategies and implement more rigorous controls in terms of brand protection."
The general tone of MTW's 2016 report is positive for the bathroom market, though there is a clear polarisation between the lower value end of the market which is more reliant on volume demand whilst rising average prices support higher value bathroom sales. MTW forecasts that by 2020, specialist bathroom retailers will retain market share, with annual growth averaging 3% - 4%, DIY multiples' sales are set to increase by 2% - 3% whilst some Internet retailers continue to exhibit double digit annual growth rates.
T: 08456 524324
W: www.marketresearchreports.co.uk
2nd December 2016