The UK fitted kitchens market was valued at 3.2bn at manufacturers' selling prices (msp) in 2001 and the fitted kitchens market continues to grow modestly because of the positive housing market.

The UK fitted kitchens market was valued at 3.2bn at manufacturers' selling prices (msp) in 2001. The performance of the kitchen furniture market is dependent on the economy, in addition to the level of house moving and housebuilding. Modest growth is forecast for the fitted kitchens market between 2002 and 2006, against a background of favourable economic growth and a positive housing market.

(PRWEB) August 29, 2003 -- Research and Markets have announced the addition of the "Fitted Kitchens Market Report 2002" report to their offering.

The UK fitted kitchens market was valued at 3.2bn at manufacturers' selling prices (msp) in 2001. A fitted kitchen consists of three key elements, which are often supplied as a complete package - kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture (such as cupboards and drawers), and sinks and worktops. Kitchen appliances can be segmented into three broad sectors in accordance with their function: cooking, cooling and refrigeration, and laundry and dishwashing. In 2001, kitchen appliances accounted for the largest share of the fitted kitchens market by value, followed by kitchen furniture, then sinks and worktops.

The kitchen furniture sector is segmented into flat-packed and rigid furniture. Flat-packed predominates in both value and volume terms, although volume accounts for a larger share owing to the lower unit value of flat-packed furniture.

The performance of the kitchen furniture market is dependent on the economy, in addition to the level of house moving and housebuilding. In difficult economic periods, the purchase of a new kitchen is more likely to be deferred in favour of essential household items. House moving prompts higher levels of kitchen refurbishment. Furthermore, the rise of house prices has meant that more consumers are willing to release equity in their properties to invest in refurbishment and improvement projects. The wide range of home improvement television programmes has also stimulated this market by placing a greater emphasis on the overall design of the kitchen and encouraging consumers to update furniture with a more fashionable style.

The main channels of distribution for kitchen furniture are the furniture multiples (such as MFI and IKEA), followed by the kitchen specialists, which tend to focus on more upmarket products incorporating a high level of design. MFI is the market leader by volume and is vertically integrated as both a manufacturer and retailer, offering both flat-packed and rigid furniture. Other channels include DIY stores, builders' merchants and direct sales. The level of imported products in the market remains low, at less than 4%.

Modest growth is forecast for the fitted kitchens market between 2002 and 2006, against a background of favourable economic growth and a positive housing market.

For a complete index of this report click on http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/35066

REPORT DATA SUMMARY:
Fitted Kitchens Market Report 2002
Category: Household
URL: www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/35066

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