LOOKING FOR A BETTER YEAR; INDUSTRY OBSERVERS SEE A FOCUS ON QUALITY AS THE ANSWER TO DEFLATION.

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, March, 2004 by Kunkel, Karl

In 2003, ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturers had as challenging -- and creative -- a year as they have ever seen. And it took plenty of creativity for RTA makers to hold their own against the constant pressure of cheaper case-goods imports.

So their products continue to migrate to new rooms and new price points as retailers demand them to be cheaper, stronger and prettier -- all with faster delivery times.

Despite a tough few years, optimism abounds for 2004, but it's a guarded outlook in an election year with an uncertain economy.

Susan Dountas, vice president of merchandising at Sauder Woodworking Co., predicted "renewed health" for the RTA industry.

"I'm sure it'll be a good year," Dountas said. "The industry has been...