Consumers Stay Strong With Smaller Upgrades to Home

Interest rates and tariffs have had a large impact on consumer spending over the past year but in the home owner’s market the sales are stronger in home furnishings and home decor.  This dynamic is evident in home furnishings although there is a delay in high ticket items like furniture and mattresses.  This is encouraging for local manufacturers and small business, including local made decor, beauty brands and utility.

Home Textiles Today article (Feb 20, 2026) excerpt:

• Big-ticket home purchases stalled as consumers delayed furniture and mattress purchases, while smaller upgrades held up better.
• Repairs and maintenance outperformed broader home improvement, benefiting retailers like Ace Hardware, Sherwin-Williams, Menards and Rural King.
• Pricing remained elevated across home furnishings even as demand slowed, with higher average ticket sizes at Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrel and Ashley Furniture.
• Spending slowed across income groups, with the sharpest pullback among households earning under $40K and over $150K.
• Millennial homeowners (aged 25–44) increased their share of home improvement spending, supporting longer-term demand for brands like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sherwin-Williams.

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