The wood flooring market in Europe had a tepid first quarter, according to the board of directors of the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP). Of the 12 countries represented in the federation's market report, only Norway showed any marked improvement compared to the year before, but the report notes that the market there is slowing down and building remains flat.
Seven of the 12 countries' representatives reported losses as national unemployment grows, political unrest rises and weather slows building. The remaining nations said their economy is flattening. A few countries noted the growing popularity of wide planks in their markets, a positive trend among economic woes.
"FEP stresses the merits of its members in keeping their business well alive in these difficult times, by finding ways to adapt to an ever changing environment and respond to the needs and expectations of the customers, with the most creative and innovative solutions," the report's introduction read after noting the market has not recovered as predicted.
