Methodology

This exclusive consumer analysis is based on the responses of 2,500 households to a survey conducted in November and December 2006. Furniture/Today had New York-based TNS poll U.S. households using an online survey to examine home furnishings shopping and purchasing patterns in 2006.

Because of the sample size and a respondent profile closely matching the demographics of all U.S. households, survey data can be projected nationally with a margin of error of plus or minus less than 2%.

2006 retail sales estimates are based on data available through October 2006 and are subject to revision as additional data become available.

The research was analyzed by Furniture/Today's research department, led by Senior Research Specialist Dana French and Director of Market Research Kay Anderson.

Terms

Households: All those living together in one housing unit, including family members or unrelated individuals.

Household income: Combined income of all household members.

Median: Divides the responses into two equal portions, half above and half below the median amount.

Distribution channels

Discount department stores: General merchandise retailers, including national, regional and local stores, as well as closeout stores and off-price retailers. Examples include Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Meijer, Fred Meyer and Big Lots.

Lifestyle furniture stores: Retailers that carry furniture, bedding, decorative accessories and soft goods at full price and may or may not carry housewares, small appliances, gourmet foods, apparel, jewelry and personal care items. Examples include Cost Plus World Market, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Pier 1 Imports, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.

Other: Other includes furniture stores that specialize in a single product or style, except those dedicated to a single manufacturer (bedding, casual dining or bedroom), department stores, direct-to-consumer (catalogs, TV, Internet, home parties) warehouse membership clubs, interior designers, home accent/gift specialists, toy specialists, electronics/appliance specialists, home improvement centers, rent-to-own, office supply stores, military exchanges and custom-made, among others.

Single-source networks: Furniture and/or bedding is the total business or single largest category and all product or the majority of product comes from a single manufacturer. Local ownership may vary. Examples include Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Ethan Allen, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Drexel Heritage, Bassett Furniture Direct and Select Comfort and Serta-Exclusive Sleep Shops.

Traditional furniture stores: Furniture is the total business or single largest category. Includes local, regional and national traditional furniture stores. Does not include bedding specialty stores. Examples include Havertys and Rooms To Go, as well as local independent furniture stores.