May 2, 2005

MAFSI Barometer Climbs in Q1

The MAFSI Business Barometer showed sales as reported by manufacturers’ representatives increased by 2.7% in the first quarter compared to Q1 of 2004.

All four major product categories showed strong growth during the period. Tabletop sales grew by 3.1%, supplies by 2.8%, equipment by 2.7% and furniture by 2.6%.

By region, reps in Canada reported the strongest growth in Q1, with an overall sales increase of 3.9%. The region’s tabletop sales increased by 6.9%, supplies sales by 6.1%, furniture by 3.9% and equipment by 3.2%.

Rep sales in MAFSI’s Northeast region grew by 3.7% overall. Furniture sales in the region increased by 4.3%, equipment by 3.8%, tabletop by 3.5% and supplies by 2.2%.

Overall sales in the West region increased by 2.4% vs. the year-ago period. Equipment sales grew by 2.9%, furniture by 1.6% and supplies by 1.4%. Tabletop sales fell by 0.1% in the West during the first quarter.

Sales in the Midwest posted overall growth of 2.1%. Supplies sales increased by 2.6%, equipment by 2.2% and tabletop by 2%. Furniture sales were flat vs. the year-ago period.

MAFSI’s South region posted overall sales growth of 2%. Furniture sales increased by 4.2%, tabletop by 3.7%, supplies by 2.5% and equipment by 1.6%.

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