Smith Leonard: Furniture Orders Up 7% in September

December 2, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

While this increase is substantial, the survey notes that orders have been choppy in 2019 and year-to-date orders have declined 1% over last year and only 64% of participants reported increased orders for September 2019. Year-to-date, new orders were down for 70% of participants. 

The survey also showed shipments in September 2019 increased 6% over September 2018. The September increase pushed year-to-date shipments even with last year, but only 55% of the participants reported increased shipments.

Backlogs in September were up 7% over August and 5% higher than September a year ago. Receivable levels remained in line, about even with last year and in line with shipments year to date. Inventories remained high but dropped to a 12% increase over September 2018, down from a 14% increase reported last month.