UK: The conservatory market

25.07.2002

Sales of conservatories have increased substantially over the last five years and represent the best performing sector of any major consumer durable. Since 1990, the market has more than tripled in terms of value. By 2001, the market had grown to over £ 1 billion (around € 1.56 billion) at retail prices and to an estimated level of 178 000 units.
Prospects for the market in 2002 remain relatively optimistic. In medium term, anual volumes and values should remain buoyant, though the growth rates experienced in the last five years will inevitably slow down as the market approaches maturity.
PVCu remains the dominant frame material for conservatories with an estimated current share of 78 per cent. Timber has maintained a steady share of the market of around 21 per cent in recent years, with aluminium experiencing a steady decline and now only accounts for around one per cent of installations.
Replacement window companies are now the major distribution channel of conservatories, though share is very fragmented between a large number of retail operations.
The DIY Multiples are the second largest channel. The high level of price competition in the DIY sector, and the greater focus on higher quality products has resulted in some loss of value share for this sector in recent years.
Garden Centres and Portable Building specialists have continued to see share eroded and now account for less than ten per cent of sales, compared to over 30 per cent in the early-1990s. Conservatory specialists and builders account for the remaining share of the market.
Source: AMA Research
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