HIGH POINT, NC -- New orders of residential furniture increased 1% in June compared to June 2010, according to accounting firm Smith Leonard' monthly survey of furniture manufacturers and distributors.

"The results for the month were in line with what we had been hearing – that being that business is just bumping along – not really good results but not that bad," Smith Leonard noted in its August Furniture Insights.

For the month of June, approximately 52% of the survey participants reported increases in orders but, by company, the percentage increases and decreases varied significantly.  Year-to-date, new orders remained at 5% ahead of the first six months of 2010.

Shipments of furniture in June were 2% higher than June 2010, Year-to-date, shipments remained 3%  ahead of last year.