Home Organization in the U.S.: General Purpose, Closets, Garages, and Storage Sheds, 2nd Edition

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. It 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. We analyze 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.
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.
Report Methodology
The information contained in this report was obtained from both primary and secondary research. Primary research included consultation with industry participants as well as on-site examination of retailers. Secondary research entailed data-gathering from myriad business sources, including trade publications and newsletters; articles in consumer business newspapers and magazines; government data; information from industry and non-governmental associations, annual reports, 10Ks, and other financial releases from public companies; and other reports by Packaged Facts. Information on new product introductions was derived primarily from reports in the trade press and online. Analysis of consumer attitudes and demographics primarily derives from Experian Simmons national consumer survey data.
How You Will Benefit from this Report
If you are in the home organization market or looking to enter, or if you’re a supplier, retailer, or analyst this report is invaluable as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight about market, product, consumer, and retail trends. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for home organization products, as well as market projections and trends through 2015.
This report will help:
- Marketing Managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans.
- Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for home organization products.
- Advertising agencies to develop messages and images that compel consumers to purchase home organization products.
- Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
- Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.
- Chapter 1: Executive Summary
- Scope of the Report
- Methodology
- Market Definition
- The Market
- Historical Sales Trends
- Table 1-1: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products, 2006-2010
- Figure 1-1: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products By Segment, 2006-2010
- Figure 1-2: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products Segment Share, 2006-2010
- Market Composition by Product Category
- Figure 1-3: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products by Product Type, 2007, 2010
- Factors Affecting Market Growth
- Housing and Households
- Household Formation Slows Down
- Figure 1-4: Number of U.S. Households, 2000-2010
- The Housing Boom and Bust
- Table 1-2: Percent of Home Ownership, 1990-2010
- Table 1-3: Annual New Home Sales/Median Annual Sales Price 2000-2011
- Homes Trending Smaller
- Table 1-4: Median Square Feet of Floor Area, New One-Family Houses, 1995-2010
- Table 1-5: Rooms in New One-Family Homes, 2000-2010 (percent)
- Americans Love Garages
- Spending
- Consumers Spend More On Housing, Less On Home Furnishings
- Remodeling Declines
- Table 1-6: Annual Home Remodeling Expenditures, 2000-2011 ($ billions)
- Savings Rates Increase As Consumers Reduce Spending
- Pricing
- Lower Prices Encouraged Big Spending
- Raw Material Prices Impact Manufacturers
- Consumer Demographics Influence Storage Products
- Market Factors
- Garage Products Overtake Closets as Growth Driver
- Segmenting the Market To Find Growth
- Partnerships and Licensing Help Drive Growth
- Acquisitions Drive Growth For Some Companies
- A New Frugality
- Staying at Home
- Continued Bulk Buying Requires Storage
- Hobbies Continue To Drive Storage Sales
- Projected Market Growth
- Figure 1-5: Projected U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products, 2010-2015
- Marketers
- Leading Marketers
- Overall Market Fragmented
- Table 1-7: Leading Marketers, U.S. Home Organization Products, 2010
- Shed Market Concentrated
- Private Label & Store Brands Are Factors
- Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures
- Companies Rebrand to Increase Consumer Relevance
- New Entrants Despite Economy
- Marketing and New Product Trends
- Marketing Practices and Trends
- Consumer-centricity On the Rise
- Social Media
- Professional and Trade Promotion
- Product Placement on TV Shows Builds Awareness
- Showcase Homes Showcase Products
- Leveraging Spokespeople for Credibility
- Back-to-School Promoted Heavily
- Sweepstakes Popular With Consumers
- Deals Offered to Spark Sales
- Product Trends
- Partnerships and Licensing Deals Help Drive Consumer Acceptance
- Private Label Store Brands More Important for Retailers
- Specialty Storage Targets Niches
- Easier is Best
- Modularity Continues to be Popular
- Kids Storage Growing in Importance
- Marketers Try to Be Eco-Friendly
- Value and Affordability Even More Critical
- Features Add Value
- Distribution and Sales
- Distribution Channels
- Market Composition of DIY Products by Retail Channel
- Figure 1-6: U.S. Sales of DIY Home Organization Products by Retail Channel, 2010
- Discount Stores
- Home Centers and Hardware Stores
- Specialty Stores
- Other Outlets
- Internet Evolves for Retailers and Manufacturers
- Several Manufacturers Control Their Distribution
- Installed Versus DIY Trends
- Installed Segment Struggles Through Hard Times
- DIY Segment Has Advantage of Price, Convenience
- Broadening Distribution to Increase Sales
- Exclusivity Still Important to Retailers and Manufacturers
- Homebuilders a Tough Sell
- Gaining Advantage with Dealers
- Manufacturing and Warehousing in US an Advantage
- The Consumer
- Consumers Looking More at Price; Want Products for Closets and Garages
- Price becomes Far More Important to Consumers
- Table 1-8: Most Important Factor When Purchasing Storage Products, 2008, 2010
- Closet Storage Still Most In Demand, But Garage Products Increase Most
- Table 1-9: Home Area Where Consumers Will Most Likely Use New Storage Container; 2008, 2010 (percent)
- Consumer Demands Driving Strategy
- Consumers Want Products for Specific Life Stages
- Consumers Like Products That Fit Lifestyles
- Outdoor Living Trend Means More Storage
- Consumers Need Help Organizing
- Women Continue To Drive Sales
- Green Products Too Expensive and Confusing For Consumers
- Won’t Pay More, Looks For Efficiency
- Green Too Confusing
- Decluttering Equals DeStress
- Consumer Demographics
- Chapter 2: The Market
- Scope of the Report
- Methodology
- Market Definition
- Historical Sales Trends
- Table 2-1: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products, 2006-2010
- Figure 2-1: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products, 2006-2010
- Figure 2-2: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products By Segment, 2006-2010
- Figure 2-3 :U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products Segment Share; 2006, 2010
- Home Organization Products About 8% of Housewares
- Table 2-2: U.S. Retail Sales of Housewares, 2007, 2010
- Market Composition by Product Category
- Figure 2-4: U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products by Product Type; 2007, 2010
- Containers
- Shelving
- Cabinets/Drawers/Modular Units
- Hanging Storage
- Accessories/other
- Regional Differences
- Figure 2-5: New One Family Houses Sold, Percent with Basements, 2007 -2010
- Factors Affecting Market Growth
- Housing and Households
- Household Formation Slows Down
- Figure 2-6: Number of U.S. Households, 2000-2010
- The Housing Boom and Bust
- Table 2-3: Percent of Home Ownership, 1990-2010
- Table 2-4: Annual Existing Home Sales, 2002-2011
- Table 2-5: Annual New Home Sales/Median Annual Sales Price 2000-2011
- Table 2-6: Annual Housing Starts - Single Family Homes, 2001-2011
- Table 2-7: Quarterly House Price Appreciation, 2005-2011 (percent)
- Figure 2-7: First-Time Home Buyer Index in U.S., 2005-2011 (index)
- Homes Trending Smaller
- Table 2-8: Median Square Feet of Floor Area, New One-Family Houses, 1995-2010
- Table 2-9: Rooms in New One-Family Homes, 2000 - 2010 (percent)
- Americans Love Garages
- Table 2-10: Type of Parking Facility of New One-Family Houses Completed 1995-2010 (percent)
- Spending
- Figure 2-8: Consumer Credit in U.S., 2003-2011 (in billions of dollars)
- Figure 2-9: Home Mortgage Borrowing in U.S., 2001-2011 (in billions of dollars)
- Unemployment Affects Spending
- Figure 2-10: U.S. Unemployment Rate, 2001-2011 (%)
- Consumers Spend More On Housing, Less On Home Furnishings
- Table 2-11: U.S. Average Annual Consumer Expenditures, 2005 -2010
- Remodeling Declines
- Table 2-12: Annual Home Remodeling Expenditures, 2000-2011 ($ billions)
- Table 2-13: Remodeling Market Index 2001-2011 (2nd Quarter)
- Table 2-14: Annual Retail Sales - Building Materials, Garden Equipment & Supply Dealers, 2001-2011 ($ billions)
- Savings Rates Increase As Consumers Reduce Spending
- Table 2-15: Personal Income and Its Disposition - 2003-2011 ($ billions)
- Pricing
- Lower Prices Encouraged Big Spending
- Figure 2-11: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Department Store Goods, 2001-2011
- Raw Material Prices Impact Manufacturers
- Figure 2-12: Producer Price Index (PPI) of Crude Petroleum, 2001-2011
- Figure 2-13: Producer Price Index (PPI) of Plastics Material & Resins Manufacturing, 2001-2011
- Figure 2-14: Producer Price Index (PPI) of Metals and Metal Products, 2001-2011
- Figure 2-15: Producer Price Index (PPI) of Lumber and Wood Products, 2001-2011
- Consumer Demographics Influence Storage Products
- Gen X Drive Kids Storage
- Millennials Budget Conscious
- Baby Boomers Needs Changing
- Seniors Driving Specialty Storage Products
- An Expanding Nest
- Market Factors
- Garage Products Overtake Closets as Growth Driver
- Segmenting The Market To Find Growth
- Partnerships and Licensing Help Drive Growth
- Acquisitions Drive Growth For Some Companies
- A New Frugality
- Staying at Home
- Continued Bulk Buying Requires Storage
- Table 2-16 Costco Fiscal Year Sales and Membership, 2002-2010
- Decline In Self Storage Creates Opportunities For Home Storage
- Hobbies Continue To Drive Storage Sales
- Table 2-17: Craft Store Sales, 2004-2010
- Projected Market Growth
- Figure 2-16: Projected U.S. Sales of Home Organization Products, 2010-2015
- Chapter 3: Marketers
- Leading Marketers
- Overall Market Fragmented
- Table 3-1: Leading Marketers, U.S. Home Organization Products, 2010
- Shed Market Concentrated
- Private Label & Store Brands Are Factors
- Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures
- Companies Rebrand to Increase Consumer Relevance
- New Entrants Despite Economy
- Competitive Profiles
- Emerson Electric Co.
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Performance
- Table 3-2: Emerson Tools and Storage Segment Sales, 2008-2010
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-3: Emerson Electric Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Newell Rubbermaid Inc.
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Performance
- Table 3-4: Newell Rubbermaid Sales Composition, 2010
- Table 3-5: Newell Rubbermaid Home & Family Sales 2008 - 2010 (in million $)
- Product Portfolio
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Table 3-6: Rubbermaid Home Organization Products
- Illinois Tool Works
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- ITW Space Bag
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-7: ITW Space Bag Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Promotion
- Racor
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-8: Racor Home Organization Products
- Minigrip Consumer Products
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-9: Minigrip Home Organization Products
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Company Profile
- Garage Organization
- Laundry Organization
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product Portfolio
- Garage Organization
- Laundry Organization
- Table 3-10: Whirlpool Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- California Closets
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-11: California Closets Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Sterilite
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product portfolio
- Table 3-12: Sterilite Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Iris USA
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product Portfolio
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Table 3-13: Iris USA Home Organization Products
- Home Products International
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-14: Home Products International Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Elfa
- Company Profile
- Performance
- Strategy and Positioning
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-15: Elfa Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Gracious Living Corporation
- Company Profile
- Product portfolio
- Table 3-16: Gracious Living Home Organization Products
- Distribution
- Schulte Corporation
- Company Profile
- Strategy and Positioning
- Products
- Table 3-17: Schulte Products
- Distribution
- Advertising and Promotion
- Rev-A-Shelf LLC
- Company Profile
- Products
- Table 3-18: Rev-A-Shelf Products
- Distribution
- Promotion
- Myers Industries, Inc.
- Company Profile
- Products
- Table 3-19: Myers Industries Products
- Whitmor
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-20: Whitmor Home Organization Products
- Closet Complete
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-21: Closet Complete Home Organization Products
- John Louis Home
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-22: John Louis Home Organization Products
- Sauder Woodworking
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-23: Sauder Woodworking Home Organization Products
- Stack-On Products Company
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-24: Stack-On Products
- The Stow Company (formerly Windquest)
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-25: The Stow Company Home Organization Products
- BH North America
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-26: BH North America Home Organization Products
- Inter-Lok (formerly GarageMaid)
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-27: Inter-Lok Home Organization Products
- HandiSolutions
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-28: HandiSolutions Home Organization Products
- Redline Garage Gear
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-29: Redline Garage Gear Home Organization Products
- GarageTek Inc.
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-30: GarageTek Home Organization Products
- Tuff Shed Inc.
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-31: Tuff Shed Home Organization Products
- Advertising and Promotion
- Arrow Storage Products
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-32: Arrow Group Products
- Duramax Building Products
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-33: Duramax Home Organization Products
- Suncast Corporation
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-34: Suncast Home Organization Products
- Backyard Products, LLC
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-35: Backyard Products Home Organization Products
- Barrette
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-36: Barrette Home Organization Products
- Lifetime Products
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-37: Lifetime Products Home Organization Products
- Keter (formerly Outstanding Solutions)
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-38: Keter Home Organization Products
- Honey-Can-Do International
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-39: Honey-Can-Do Home Organization Products
- Martha Stewart Living
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-40: Martha Stewart Living Home Organization Products
- Masco Retail Cabinet Group
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-41: Masco Retail Cabinet Group Home Organization Products
- Albern Enterprises
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-42: Albern Enterprises Home Organization Products
- Neatfreak Group
- Company Profile
- Product portfolio
- Table 3-43: Neatfreak Group Home Organization Products
- ShelfGenie
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-44: ShelfGenie Home Organization Products
- Way Basics
- Company Profile
- Product Portfolio
- Table 3-45: Way Basics Home Organization Products
- Chapter 4: Marketing and New Product Trends
- Marketing Practices and Trends
- Consumer-centricity on the Rise
- Social Media
- Professional and Trade Promotion
- Product Placement on TV Shows Builds Awareness
- Showcase Homes Showcase Products
- Leveraging Spokespeople for Credibility
- Back to School Promoted Heavily
- Sweepstakes Popular With Consumers
- Deals Offered to Spark Sales
- Retailer Circulars Feature Specials
- Table 4-1: Feature Retail Circular Deals for Selected Home Organization Products
- Product Trends
- Partnerships and Licensing Deals Help Drive Consumer Acceptance
- Private Label Store Brands More Important for Retailers
- Specialty Storage Targets Niches
- Easier is Best
- Modularity Continues to be Popular
- Kids Storage Growing in Importance
- Marketers Try to Be Eco-Friendly
- Value and Affordability Even More Critical
- Features Add Value
- Select New Products 2009-2011
- Table 4-2: Selected Home Organization Product Introductions
- Chapter 5: Distribution and Sales
- Distribution Channels
- Market Composition of DIY Products by Retail Channel
- Figure 5-1: U.S. Sales of DIY Home Organization Products by Retail Channel, 2010
- Discount Stores
- Home Centers and Hardware Stores
- Specialty Stores
- Other Outlets
- Internet Evolves for Retailers and Manufacturers
- Several Manufacturers Control Their Distribution
- Installed Versus DIY Trends
- Installed Segment Struggles Through Hard Times
- DIY Segment Has Advantage of Price, Convenience
- Broadening Distribution to Increase Sales
- Exclusivity Still Important to Retailers and Manufacturers
- Homebuilders a Tough Sell
- Gaining Advantage With Dealers
- Manufacturing and Warehousing in US an Advantage
- Key and Interesting Retailers
- The Container Store
- Ikea
- Target
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Organize-It
- Organize.com
- The Betty Mills Company
- Dorm Co
- Shelfwire
- Wayfair
- Chapter 6: The Consumer
- Consumers Looking More at Price; Want Products for Closets and Garages
- Price becomes Far More Important to Consumers
- Table 6-1: Most Important Factor When Purchasing Storage Products, 2008, 2010
- Closet Storage Still Most In Demand, But Garage Products Increase Most
- Table 6- 2: Home Area Where Consumers Will Most Likely Use New Storage Container - 2008, 2010 (percent)
- Packaging Most Influential to Consumers In-Store
- Figure 6-1: In-Store Elements Influence, 2010 (percent)
- Consumer Demands Driving Strategy
- Consumers Want Products for Specific Life Stages
- Table 6-3: Design Basics Life Stage Home Plan Segments
- Consumers Like Products That Fit Lifestyles
- Table 6-4: Examples of Organize.com’s Organized By Color Program
- Table 6-5: Shelf Genie Customer Profiles
- Livability at a Glance
- Outdoor Living Trend Means More Storage
- Consumers Need Help Organizing
- Table 6-6: How Arrow Sheds Help Consumers
- Women Continue To Drive Sales
- BeJane for DIY Women
- Martha Stewart Bringing Women Into Home Centers and Office Supply
- Green Products Too Expensive and Confusing For Consumers
- Won’t Pay More, Looks For Efficiency
- Green Too Confusing
- Decluttering Equals DeStress
- Decluttering Adds Value to Home for Resale
- Consumer Demographics
- Gen X Have Growing Families
- Millennials Gaining Buying Power
- Baby Boomers Looking To Downsize
- Seniors Need Solutions To Make Living Easier
- An Expanding Nest
- Consumer Demographics and Attitudes
- About 60% Of Households Spend Between $250 And $2,000 Annually On Home Improvements
- Figure 6-2: Total Home Improvement Spending - 2007, 2009, 2011 (% of households)
- Households Using Professionals More for Home Improvements
- Figure 6-3: Interior/Exterior Home Remodeling, who does work, last 12 months - 2007, 2009, 2011 (% of households)
- Purchase of Storage Sheds Remain Steady
- Table 6-7: Home Improvement Purchases, 2008 - 2011 (% of households)
- Roughly 60% of Households Spend More Than $500 on Sheds
- Figure 6-4: Amount Spent on Storage Sheds, 2008-2011 (% of households)
- Figure 6-5: Storage Shed Spending Compared to Kitchen Cabinets, 2011 (% of households)
- About 70% Households Assemble and Install Sheds Themselves
- Figure 6-6: Installation of Sheds, Who did work, last 12 months - 2009, 2011 (% of households)
- Figure 6-7: Installation of Sheds and Kitchen Cabinets, Who did work 2011 (% of households)
- Older Boomers with Large Families More Likely to Have Bought Sheds
- Table 6-8: Demographic Profile of People Buying Storage Sheds, 2011 (index)
- Central Region Strongest for Sheds
- Figure 6-8: Storage Shed Purchases by Region, 2006 and 2011
- Households Remodel Bathrooms and Kitchens More Than Basements, Attics, and Garages
- Table 6-9: Households Remodeled Basement/Attic/Garage, 2008 - 2011 (% of households)
- Table 6-10: Households Remodeled Basement/Attic/Garage, 2008 - 2011 (% of households)
- Younger Families with Higher Incomes, Higher Education Tend to Remodel Basements, Attics and Garages
- Psychographic Traits of Remodelers and Buyers of Sheds and Kitchen Cabinets
- Table 6-11: Psychographic Traits of Remodelers/Buyers of Sheds, Kitchen Cabinets 2011 (last 12 months) (Index)
- Table 6-12: Demographic Profile of People Remodeling Basement/Attic/Garage, 2011 (last 12 months) (Index )
- Appendix