While the latest quarterly report from the International Sleep Products Assn. features several negative numbers – units are down 4.7% in the third quarter and the wholesale value of bedding shipments is down 2.5%, among other declines – there is some good news for the bedding industry.

The ISPA report indicates that the industry continues to ship better goods, a trend also seen in the second quarter report.

The average unit price was up 2.3% in the third quarter, to $242.11, and it is up 3.2% for the first nine months of the year, to $238.92. In the second quarter, the average unit price was up 4.7%.

Bedding observers say those average unit price gains indicate the industry continues to promote and sell better goods, a positive development in what is shaping up as a very challenging year for the industry.

The ISPA quarterly reports present a snapshot of the performance of producers who account for a majority of unit and dollar shipments in the industry.

(Source: furnituretoday.com  Author: David Perry)