This classification covers businesses that primarily reupholster and repair furniture. Companies that primarily sell upholstery materials for personal or household use are in SIC 5714: Drapery, Curtain, and Upholstery Stores; and those making furniture and cabinets on a custom basis are in SIC 5712: Furniture Stores.
811420 (Reupholstery and Furniture Repair)
Furniture making became more automated after water-and steam-powered tools were introduced early in the nineteenth century. The artisan's role was largely eliminated in the mainstream furniture industry, and inexpensive furniture produced by high-volume manufacturers reduced demand for labor-intensive repair services.
Renewed interest in antiques and corporate cost-consciousness during the late 1980s hiked industry activity. Many refinishing and repair shops found new demand for refurbishing high-quality case goods, seating, and other pieces designed in classic, popular styles and produced by reputable makers. Corporate buyers could save up to 70 percent over the cost of new furniture by having their office furniture and equipment revitalized, or they could buy used furniture. By 1996, total U.S. furniture repair industry sales were an estimated $1.2 billion, up from $980 million in 1992.
Despite a U.S. recession in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the furniture repair industry grew. The market for refurbished and used furniture grew at 15 percent annually going into the 1990s, leading most other furniture industry segments. Demand for on-site refurbishing services was strong and growing in the late 1990s. Such companies replaced laminated desk-and counter-tops, repainted file cabinets and other metal equipment, and refurbished wall panels. Companies also repaired and refurbished antiques and other furniture on-site for non-business customers.
Trends through the mid 1990s included more partnering, where furniture dealers and refinishing/refurbishing services teamed up to provide long-term, one-stop shopping services for clients. Another trend was more government regulation. Due to strict federal mandates from the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1992, refinishers and painters were forced to follow sometimes costly procedures related to indoor air quality and waste disposal.
The U.S. reupholstery and furniture repair industry was diverse and fragmented in 1997, with 6,598 firms offering services ranging from antique furniture repair and home furniture reupholstery to refurbishing office furniture. Most firms were small, local, and provided a range of services. The industry generated $1.2 billion in receipts in 1997.
Furniture Medic was the largest franchiser in furniture repair and restoration in the late 1990s. Furniture Medic was founded in 1992 and acquired by ServiceMaster in 1996. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, it had 600 franchised locations across the United States, as well as locations in Canada and Europe.
Industry firms employed an estimated 22,315 workers in 1997, up from 21,200 in 1992. The total industry payroll for 1997 was $389 million, up from $311 million in 1992. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industry jobs may grow 20 to 40 percent between 1990 and 2005.
U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1997 Economic Census. Washington, 1999.
U.S. Department of Commerce. 1992 Census of Service Industries. Washington: Bureau of the Census, 1995.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: