The UK bathroom industry is adapting to an ageing population by promoting more inclusive design according to a report published by market research firm AMA Research.
It has found that, as a result, special needs bathroom products are likely to exhibit significant market potential in years to come.
In its report summary the firm says that in 2009 the special needs bathroom market had an estimated value of around £119 million at manufacturers’ selling prices and had been exhibiting significant growth.
But it also adds that the market share has decreased by 11 per cent compared to 2008, with little change expected in 2010 – likely to be the result of the current staitened economic conditions and their effect on the home improvement and housebuilding markets.
It says a significant proportion of sales are made directly from specialist manufacturers and suppliers to use it – but retailers of all sizes also stock the products, sometimes offering branded goods. Internet sales are also becoming significant.
It has found that the immediate outlook for the sector is flat despite longer-term promise – but, for anyone in the trade who needs to understand this market in detail, the full report is available from AMA research here at a cost of £650.