Vitamin D

Doctors recommend that we take Vitamin D for its many benefits including strong bones and better energy. Well, last week we finally got a huge dose of vitamin D courtesy of an unusually warm week in January with clear skies. It was the perfect way to get psyched up about the upcoming Spring season. One can feel the energy to go back outside and get projects started.

In the housing industry there is a more upbeat feel as experts predict improvement in the housing market. David Crowe, the chief economist for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), predicts that interest rates will stay low through 2010 which helps set the stage for buyers to return to the housing market. Further the NAHB forecast expects the recovery to take place in the single-family sector, where starts are predicted to rise 37.7%.

Consumers are still cautious but have to feel more confident than they did a year ago. A warmer winter than last year will prompt people to get in the mood earlier and start thinking about what they can do to improve their outdoor living spaces. To kick start the creative juices and help people with their outdoor visions, we will be showing our products at the various shows throughout the Northwest. The show season kicked off with the Seattle Remodel Show. Next will be the Tacoma Home Show followed by the Northwest Flower and Garden show in Seattle, the Spokane Home and Yard show, Missoula Home and Garden show, and the Seattle Home Show.

Our industry will begin to rebound and get energy as the real Vitamin D, “DEMAND”, improves in both the housing market and consumer market. Our effort will be to show people new products and create great looking displays that inspire needs. Please visit the shows and check out the products. We hope that our work will help create the demand that helps all of our businesses.

Sincerely,

Brian Healow

DIY Segment Manager