With a gain in confidence in the economy and a clear general election result, United Kingdom (UK) retailers are finally enjoying some pre-crisis level of spending. The housing market is more buoyant. Houses are sold, bought, extended and improved, and buildings are being erected all over the country. Plus, the government plans to accelerate residential home building with a goal of developing a million new homes by 2020. All great news for the UK floor covering market.
In the last decade, reports of a hefty decline of the UK carpet industry were frequent but definitely blown out of proportion. It is true that sales dropped heavily from £1.2 billion in 2008 to £968 million in 2011 when not only the recession hit but wood and laminate flooring became more popular. Thankfully, the demand for carpets is now increasing again with carpet sales still higher than other types of flooring.