by Smith Leonard Furniture Insights report said half of those surveyed reported increases in orders while two-thirds reported increases in shipments
HIGH POINT — New orders for residential furniture were up 1% from February 2025 while shipments were up 2% during the same period, according to a survey of furniture manufacturers in the latest Furniture Insights report by Smith Leonard.
Orders totaled $2.1 billion, compared to $2.08 billion in February 2025, the report said. About one-half of those surveyed reported increases versus decreases during this period.
They also were up 2% from $2.05 billion in February.
Shipments totaled $2.18 billion, compared with $2.15 billion in February 2025, up for about two-thirds of survey participants. They were up 4% from $2.07 billion in January.
February backlogs totaled $2.4 billion, flat with February 2025, and up 2% from $2.35 billion in January.
Other highlights of the report were as follows:
+ Receivable levels were down 3% from February 2025 and down 1% from January.
+ Inventories were up 7% from February 2025 but down 4% over January, “continuing a trend from recent months.”
+ The number of factory and warehouse employees was down 3% from February a year ago, and down 2% with the prior month.
+ Payroll expense was up 1% from February 2025 but down 4% compared to January. Year to date, payroll expense was down 1% compared to the same period last year.
