Home Organization in the U.S Report Sample: Manufacturers have come to realize that, like in many consumer product categories, one size doesn't fit all in storage and organization. People live different ways and consumers want individual solutions from their products.

Companies have started to market to lifestyles since storage and organization needs vary by personality, personal style, and activities people are engaged in. Color and design has continued to expand for those interested in home décor. More products are targeting rooms and spaces beyond the closet and garage. These are the areas where people do most of their living - kitchens, bath, laundry rooms, home offices, pantries, kids' rooms - and where they've needed new storage products. Consumers have also demanded products for specific needs they have. These specific-function products include shoe, underbed, over door, overhead, drawer, cabinet, and holiday storage. They also want products that focus on activities such as arts & crafts, hobbies, study zones, work stations, and toy storage.

Manufacturers have also looked more closely at demographics and started designing products based on life stages. People need different storage and organization products at different times of their lives. Kids at both early and college age have been targeted with specific storage products. Senior focused products is a burgeoning area, with products coming to market that make it easier to access items products stored in kitchen drawers and cabinets. Whirlpool exhibited at the 2010 International Builders' Show, and demonstrated how its Gladiator GarageWorks line could be customized for key phases in a typical consumer's life, first-time homeowner, a growing family and empty nester.

The industry has also segmented the year into more selling seasons. Traditionally there were year round sales and a spring cleaning sales season. Selling has evolved to include back to school, and after Christmas seasons. Products have been designed for each period, with as people want to increase efficiency with uncluttered space and easy access. Cabinets, drawers, attics, space above and below closet organizers, overhead space in garages, under beds, and over the door have received product attention as well. Storage for cabinets and drawers has been particularly popular, with consumers demanding custom shelves, pull-out pantries, and drawer inserts.

Marketers have also designed storage products for specific products such as craft and art supplies, holiday decorations, and toys. Storage for crafting, scrapbooking and other hobbies have been hot for a while, since these activities require a good deal of supplies and space in the home.

Report Overview

This market research report examines how this previously high growth $7.4 billion market has slowed down due to the housing collapse and enduring financial problems, but has performed relatively well due to several factors. Americans still have a lot of ‘stuff' that needs organizing, they are remodeling in greater numbers as they stay in their homes, many are downsizing, and younger people are forming new households. The market report analyzes how these and other factors are impacting sales of various product segments and categories. The study also details prospects for future growth and strategies marketers will need to stand out against increased competition.

Report Scope

This report merges two previous reports, The Home Organization Market in the U.S. and Garage and Shed Storage Trends in the U.S., to provide a comprehensive analysis of storage and organization products purchased by consumers for home use.

The report contains data on the U.S. market for all home organization products including historical (2006-2010) and forecast (2010-2015) sales data. It breaks down sales by key product segments such as general purpose home organization, closets, garage, and storage sheds. It also analyzes sales by product category. In addition to sales updates, the report updates factors and trends impacting growth, the impact of dynamic raw material prices, market and products trends, distribution and retail trends, and consumer usage information. The report also updates profiles of key marketers including Rubbermaid, Sterilite, Iris USA, California Closets, Emerson Electric (Closet Maid,) Elfa International (owned by the Container Store), Home Products International, Whirlpool, Schulte, GarageTek, Arrow Group Industries, and Tuff Shed.

New in the report, besides consolidation of product segment sales, are new product trends, key products launched from 2009 to 2011, new marketing initiatives and trends, and consumer lifestyle trends. Also included are profiles of new marketers and ones not covered in the previous reports, such as Martha Stewart Living, Masco Retail Cabinet Group, Albern Enterprises (Bin Warehouse), Honey-Can-Do International, Way Basics, Neatfreak Group, and Shelf Genie.