HIGH POINT – New orders for furniture rose 2% in March compared with the same month last year, down from the 4% increase reported for February, according to the latest Furniture Insights survey of residential furniture manufacturers and retailers conducted by High Point accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard.

Of particular concern was inconsistent performance by companies surveyed, with less than half – 42% – reporting increased orders.

Year to date, new orders were up 3% over the first three months of 2017, falling from a 4% increase reported through February. For the year to date results, 56% of survey participants reported increased orders down from 64% reporting increases last month.March shipments were virtually flat compared with March 2017, and shipment increases were reported by only 42% of the participants. Shipments in February were up 3% over shipments in February 2017.

Read more here:  http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/554210-furniture-insights-order-growth-slows-march/