Rehab market positive in window, door btz

By John W. Shoemaker Executive Vice President National Wood Window & Door Association

llf OOn windows and doors will ! U continue to be a solid choice for American homeowners, particularly in the growing repair and re- modeling mar- ket, through 1988 and beyond.

Independent research conducted for the National Wood Window & Door Association byMcGraw-Hill/ LSI Systems, Inc., indicates that wood will be the material of choice for windows, sliding and hinged patio doors, passage doors and exterior doors used in rehab projects. In 1988, that rehab market is expected to account for nearly 600/o of all window sales and nearly 500/o of all exterior doors sales.

Interestingly, NWWDA research indicates that homeowners tend to renovate their homes within the first six years after they have moved in. This means that if the healthy home resale market continues as expected, the renovation and remodeling market should continue strong for some time to come.

This trend will create new opportunities for retailers who are prepared to address this growing market segment. Merchants should consider developing eye-catching displays

A NYONE who reads the new l{ boot by Tom Peters, titled "Thriving On Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution," might well conclude that the marketplace is becoming a very iffy environment.

To Peters, a well-run company in the near future will be one that flourishes on changes and chaos.

According to him, firms should add substantial effort towards quality services, quality salespersons and remain highly flexible in operations. There are other facets to a successful business but Peters makes some valid points. We think much of what he espouses should be heeded.

As we enter 1988, it looks as if our lumber industry should enjoy another good Year . at least through the first three quartels. Ri91 ing interest rates in late 1987 will diminish the demand for lumber somewhat, but unless rates get out of hand, good building activity will continue. Election year politics will not