HIGH POINT, N.C. — New residential furniture orders rose 15% in September compared to the previous month, and were up 7% compared to 2024's figure, according to the November issue of Furniture Insights. "And with this month’s surge, year to date through September 2025, new orders are now materially even compared to 2024," said Mark Laferriere, assurance partner at Smith Leonard, the accounting and consulting firm that produces the monthly report. 

Approximately two-thirds of participants reported increases in September 2025 compared to a year ago, he said.

September shipments were up 6% compared to 2024 figures, with two-thirds of survey participants reporting increases compared to the year prior, Laferriere noted. Shipments were also up 3% compared to August, although they remain down 1% for the year-to-date compared to 2024 figures. "With the increase in new orders, September 2025 backlogs were up 5%
compared to August 2025 and up 2% compared to September 2024," he added.

Receivable levels were up 2% from August, but down 3% from September 2024. Inventories were up 2% compared to September 2024, but flat with August 2025, "which is likely impacted in part by tariffs," Laferriere said.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales at furniture and home furnishings stores in September were up 0.6% compared to August, and up 1.2% from September 2024. Year to date on a non-adjusted basis, sales were up 4.7%, according to November's Furniture Insights.

Providing insight, Laferriere acknowledged the monthly fluctuations (increases/decreases) in new orders this year, and the fact that economic data and industry reports have also been mixed. "There have certainly been bright spots (particularly in upper end), but this definitely makes it hard to feel overly confident in the overall economy and what 2026 will hold for the industry," he said.

"But on a positive note, year-to-date new orders have now pulled essentially even through September 2025 compared to 2024. So with the government shutdown behind us, less disruption in the economy going forward, and another interest rate cut (or two), I’m hopeful that 2026 can provide a return to normalcy and deliver on the unfulfilled promises of 2025."