Reupholstery and Furniture Repair NAICS 811420

May 27, 2025 - Slower Growth Forecast

• Sales for the US reupholstery and furniture repair services industry are projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.26% between 2025 and 2029, slower than the overall economy‘s anticipated growth, according to a forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. Reupholstery and furniture repair services are part of the “other services sector,” which is driven by consumer spending, along with expenditure by businesses. Consumer sentiment is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the various services industries, including reupholstery and furniture repair services. Many segments of the other services sector are recovering from a downturn during the pandemic. Factors that may limit consumer spending during the forecast window include higher tariffs on consumer goods.
• The price of upholstery services increased in 2025 across all segments, closely aligning with the 10% increase in the US services inflation rate over the past two years, according to the National Upholstery Association’s (NUA) annual Pricing Survey. The survey noted that rising overhead and labor costs, driven by higher living costs and the need to attract and retain skilled help, are likely contributing to the higher prices. Demand for upholstery services has remained steady, with many operators reporting waitlists of six to 12 months, suggesting consumers are willing to wait to invest in a quality product rather than turn to a less durable, mass-produced product. According to the NUA, residential upholstery has no official pricing standard. For example, some charge by the piece, the hour, the inch/foot/percentage, or a different standard. The 2025 survey was conducted before the wide-ranging US tariff rollouts, which may further impact prices in the months ahead.

• A range of new tariffs on imported goods from China, Mexico, and Canada may affect the cost and availability of materials used by reupholstery and furniture repair companies, including fabrics, leather, and wood. The Trump administration has enacted new tariffs on imports from China, a tariff on imported steel and aluminum, and tariffs on some imports from Canada and Mexico, among others. According to the Home Furnishings Association, as much as 50% of raw materials used in furniture making, such as wood, fabrics, hinges, and screws, are imported. Increases in materials costs must be absorbed by the company or passed along to customers. Companies may face supply chain disruptions, which could create delays and added costs. Fabric supplier Regal Fabrics told Furniture Today that the company has been diversifying its supply chain for many years and will work to minimize the impacts of tariffs on customers.
• Consumers may adjust their furniture spending as consumer sentiment, an indicator of discretionary spending, continues to fall in large part due to tariff uncertainty and an expectation of higher prices, according to two major indicators. The final index of consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan dropped 8% in April 2025 from the previous month, according to CFO Dive. An index measuring consumers’ expectations for the future fell nearly a third since January, the steepest three-month percentage decline since the 1990 recession. According to survey director Joanne Hsu, “Consumers perceived risks to multiple aspects of the economy, in large part due to ongoing uncertainty around trade policy and the potential for a resurgence of inflation looming ahead.” The Consumer Confidence Index declined by 7.9 points in April 2024, compared to the previous month. Consumer confidence levels have fallen for five consecutive months, reaching levels not seen since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, according to The Conference Board, which publishes the monthly index.