Quarterly sales forecast by region

Home Channel News, Nov 22, 1999

National and regional quarterly sales history and one-year forecast for building material retailers (lumberyards, home centers, paint stores -- SIC 521 and 523). Figures are in billions of dollars. Data for third quarter 1999 are estimates; following are forecasts.

              '96 '97    '98    '99    '00
                          4Q     4Q     4Q
United States  -   -  $29.22 $31.28 $35.70
Northeast      -   -   $4.82  $5.00  $5.53
Midwest        -   -   $6.46  $7.00  $8.07
South          -   -  $11.33 $12.09 $13.74
West           -   -   $6.60  $7.20  $8.35

Looking into the new millennium, retail sales outlook is bright Indicators for retail building material sales through the end of 1999 and into 2000 remain very positive. Housing starts are up, which will increase building material demand. Sales should continue to grow in all regions, although growth in the Northeast, where the total population is down, will be slowest. The Midwest looks like the greatest gainer, where exports will accelerate to counter the impact of any increase in interest rates. By the end of next year, every region can expect year-to-year sales growth in the double digits.

Sources: U.S. Department of commerce, Building Materials Research institute3