Paint and Wallpaper Stores NAICS 444120

        Paint and Wallpaper Stores

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Purchase Report

Industry Summary

The 1,400 firms in the US sell paint, wallpaper, and related supplies to consumers and commercial contractors. Major product categories include architectural paint; painting equipment; coatings; painting supplies; and wallpaper.

Sensitivity to Remodeling, Construction, and Economic Trends

Demand for architectural paint and wallpaper is dependent on the health of the remodeling and construction industry, which is cyclical and influenced by economic conditions.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Demand

The paint market is seasonal and subject to uneven demand throughout the year.


Recent Developments

May 28, 2025 - Remodeling Spending to See Moderate Growth
  • Home remodeling spending is expected to see slight gains through 2026 after two years of weakening expenditures, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report released in April by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard. Homeowner improvements and repairs are expected to increase 0.8% to $505 billion in the second quarter of 2025 compared to Q2 2024. In the third quarter of 2025, remodeling spending will rise to $506 billion, up 1.4% from Q3 2024. Spending will then increase to $512 billion in Q4 2025, up 1.8% from Q4 2024. In the first quarter of 2026, year-over-year spending is forecast to rise 2.8% to a record $526 billion. Joint Center expects improvements to be supported by increasing home values, a steady labor market, and gradually improving existing home sales. However, uncertainty stemming from trade strife and waning consumer confidence could put downward pressure on remodeling demand.
  • The number of building permits issued for single-family, privately-owned housing units decreased 5.1% in April 2025 compared to March and fell 6.2% year-over-year. Single-family housing starts dropped by 1.6% month-over-month and were down 12% compared to April 2024. Single-family housing completions declined 5.9% in April from the previous month and decreased 12.3% year-over-year. Housing starts in April were pressured by tariff-related economic uncertainty, high mortgage rates, and rising costs for building materials, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
  • Sales of existing US homes decreased by 0.5% in April from March and were down 2% year-over-year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said, "Home sales have been at 75% of normal or pre-pandemic activity for the past three years, even with seven million jobs added to the economy. Pent-up housing demand continues to grow, though not realized. Any meaningful decline in mortgage rates will help release this demand." Existing home sales are a key demand driver for architectural paints and wallpaper as sellers make upgrades prior to putting homes on the market, and buyers often freshen paint and wallpaper before moving in.
  • North American construction and engineering spending in 2025 is expected to grow by 3% after increasing an estimated 7% in 2024, according to FMI’s second-quarter 2025 North American Engineering and Construction Outlook. Nonresidential building construction spending is forecast to be flat in 2025 as growth in amusement and recreation (+7%), transportation (+3%), public safety (+3%), and educational (+3%) is offset by weakness in commercial (-7%), lodging (-5%), and manufacturing (-1%). Amid high mortgage interest rates and a lack of affordability, single-family construction spending is forecast to rise by 3% in 2025. A recent jump in new apartment supply and unfavorable cost conditions will reduce multifamily spending by 12% in 2025.

Industry Revenue

Paint and Wallpaper Stores


Industry Structure

Industry size & Structure

The average paint and wallpaper retailing company employs less than 24 workers and generates $12 million annually.

    • The paint and wallpaper retailing industry consists of about 1,400 firms that employ about 33,500 workers and generate about $16.3 billion annually.
    • The large paint and coatings manufacturers, such as Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and Benjamin Moore, dominate the paint and wallpaper retail landscape through company-owned locations. Sherwin-Williams is also one of the largest distributors of wallpaper in the US.
    • About 36% of firms generate less than $500,000 annually; 25% generate between $500,000 and $1 million annually.
    • About 83% of firms employ fewer than ten workers.
    • Franchises account for a small (about 2.5%) of the industry.

                                  Industry Forecast

                                  Industry Forecast
                                  Paint and Wallpaper Stores Industry Growth
                                  Source: Vertical IQ and Inforum

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