KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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US kitchen and bathroom dealers undeterred by marginal declines in Q1 2011

According to the US National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), kitchen and bathroom dealers remain positive despite slight declines in sales volumes, remodelling budgets and revenue during the first quarter of 2011. The NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI), which forecasts the confidence of kitchen and bathroom dealers on a scale of -60 to +60, is +34 for Q2 2011 or down 3 points from the last quarter. Showroom visits were up 16%, which marked the only market indicator with a quarter-over-quarter increase.

"The first quarter fell a little short of expectations, but the year-over-year gains reported in the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Index are a positive sign for the kitchen and bath industry," states Bill Darcy, executive vice president of the NKBA. "In addition, more than half of the dealers forecast increases across all six of the measured market indicators highlighted by 74% that anticipate growth in kitchen and bathroom revenue."

The NKBA KBMI is determined by averaging expectations of NKBA member kitchen and bathroom dealers during the next quarter based on expected increases (+1), decreases (-1) or no change (0) in each market condition. That total is divided by the number of dealers surveyed and multiplied by 10, which gives the KBMI a range of -60 (pessimistic) to +60 (optimistic). The NKBA KBMI surveys approximately 150 kitchen and bathroom dealers across North America each quarter.

NKBA KBMI Highlights

Showroom visits:
* Up 16% from previous quarter; up 41% from previous year
* 75% anticipate an increase in Q2; 2% anticipate a decline
Kitchen remodels sales volume:
* Down 33% from previous quarter; up 51% from previous year
* 77% anticipate an increase in Q2; 3% anticipate a decline
Kitchen remodelling prices:
* Down 18% from previous quarter; up 5% from previous year
* 33% anticipate an increase in Q2; 3% anticipate a decline
Bathroom remodel sales volume:
* Down 4% from previous quarter; up 50% from previous year
* 59% anticipate an increase in Q2; 4% anticipate a decline
Bathroom remodelling prices:
* Down 15% from previous quarter; up 7% from previous year
* 36% anticipate an increase in Q2; 6% anticipate a decline
Kitchen and bathroom revenue:
* Down 40% from previous quarter; up 59% from previous year
* 74% anticipate an increase in Q2; 2% anticipate a decline

The NKBA is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members that has educated and led the US kitchen and bathroom industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, an extensive glossary of remodelling terms, and illustrations and explanations of planning guidelines. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and order the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner.

T: 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522)
W: www.nkba.org

6th May 2011