SIC 5714 Drapery, Curtain, and Upholstery Stores

SIC 5714

This category covers establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of draperies, curtains, and upholstery materials. Establishments primarily engaged in reupholstering or repairing furniture are classified in SIC 7641: Reupholstery and Furniture Repair.

NAICS CODE(S)

442291

Window Treatment Stores

451130

Sewing, Needlework and Piece Goods Stores

314121

Curtain and Drapery Mills

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

Curtain, drapery, and upholstery material stores were a thriving segment of the general home furnishings retail industry during the 2000s. Consumers focused on the home and personalizing their environments, and the industry recognized these lifestyle directions by providing stylish yet relatively low-priced products. Even during recessionary down times, consumers frequently replaced window treatments rather than overhauling the entire room. Reupholstering or purchasing slipcovers for existing furniture was also an alternative to redecorating a room. Furniture covers went from a specialized industry to a more mass-produced segment with many options readily available in discount and chain stores. The popularity of futons also benefited the upholstery segment because the versatile furniture can be covered with a variety of ready-made or custom-made slipcovers.

There were approximately 6,081 establishments engaged in the retail sale of draperies, curtains, and upholstery materials in 2003. There were some 16,640 people employed within this industry. California, Florida, and Texas represented the majority of establishments with 1,638 stores. Together, they generated approximately $4.2 billion in sales. The majority of the establishments employed fewer than five people. There were a total of 5,146 establishments that fell into this category.

The industry was divided into five categories that included drapery and upholstery stores, curtains, draperies, slip covers, and upholstery materials. Draperies represented the largest category with 3,483 establishments. Their sales represented about $498.4 million, comprising more than 57 percent of the overall marketplace. Drapery and upholstery stores numbered 1,646. Combined, their sales were $246.1 million, and they represented more than 27 percent of the market.

Curtain and drapery stores were adversely affected by shifting trends in home decorating fashions. Many stores changed dramatically to accommodate the new trends by adding a wider variety of merchandise both for windows and for the home itself. Chains...