The floorcoverings market is set to benefit from a £250m boost between now and 2019, according to a new report.
MTW Research says floorcoverings experienced real-term growth in 2014, following a sustained period of lacklustre trading in recent years. And it points to a number of positive market drivers and opportunities for growth this year, one being the children's bedroom floorcoverings market, expected to rise by 6% in 2015.

The report also points to growth in the 50-plus age group, a rise in housebuilding and the burgeoning self-build sector, all underpinning growth in domestic floorcovering sales this year.

Carpets continue to dominate the market, and MTW says a number of key product trends and fashions will underpin growth in 2015. The share gain of wood and laminate floorcoverings at the expense of carpets appears to be slowing, but more knowledgeable consumers with rising disposable incomes are sustaining growth for engineered wood and higher value laminate flooring. MTW forecasts healthier rates of growth for these products in the medium term.

Online floorcovering retailers have continued to grow in prominence, web-based sales having risen by 80% since 2009. Consumers have historically preferred a 'tactile' in-store shopping experience, but MTW says internet retailers have become increasingly sophisticated in terms of offering free samples, free delivery and full service support.

At the same time, some 40% of traditional bricks and mortar floorcovering retailers have experienced rapid growth in the last 12 months, although a further 40% have seen sales decline.