HIGH POINT — New furniture orders increased 10% in May compared to the same month a year earlier, according to Smith Leonard PLLC. Based on a survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors, approximately 68% reported increased orders for May 2010 compared to 2009, down slightly from the 73% increase reported in April.

Year-to-date orders for the first five months of 2010 were 10% ahead of last year, but still down compared to the same period in 2008.

Shipments also showed gains. May 2010 shipments rose 9% compared to 2009 and were up 6% for the year-to-date. Last year at this time, shipments were down 21% for the first five months, compared to 2008 figures.

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