2025-Q2 to Q3 Market Outlook Report Released Stronger-than-Expected Q2 Billings Offset by Modest Growth Forecasts
The Solomon Coyle 2025-Q2 to Q3 Dealer Market Outlook Report is now available, which provides a quarterly snapshot of business conditions and future expectations in the commercial furniture industry. While distributors outperformed their own Q2 growth projections, forecasts for the remainder of the year reflect cautious optimism. Bookings, billings, and backlogs all increased this quarter, and most sectors and regions reported stable or strengthening pipelines.
“Q2 results outpaced expectations, with solid gains in bookings and billings—a positive sign for our industry,” said Shelley Coyle, Principal at Solomon Coyle. “Distribution has also found some stability and consistency in its forecasting vs actual. The more modest forecasts for the back half of the year suggest dealers are navigating the future with a mix of momentum and measured caution.”
Key Insights from the Report:
Positive Indicators:
-Bookings increased by 4.6% in Q2, outpacing the 4.0% forecast made last quarter.
-The Bookings Index rose to 95.3, up from 91.2.
-Billings rebounded from a Q1 decline to post an 8.8% increase in Q2.
-The Backlog Index climbed to 118.9, its third consecutive quarterly gain.
-Pipeline activity remains positive in all regions and sectors.
Signals of Caution:
-Booking forecasts for Q3 and Q4 are softer, at 2.2% and 2.3%, respectively.
-While pipeline growth was broadly distributed, Education and Floor & Wall categories saw minor softening.
-The Pipeline Activity Index edged down slightly to +0.32, from +0.39 last quarter.
Distributors from across North America contributed to the quarterly Market Outlook survey, providing forward-looking data on bookings, billings, backlog, and pipeline activity. The report draws on 234 survey responses from 187 unique distributor branches across the U.S. and Canada.
To view the current report, visit: www.solomoncoyle.com/dealer-market-outlook-report/.
For inquiries regarding participation, email support@solomoncoyle.com.