The carpet and floorcovering market for the purpose of this report is broadly sub-divided between fitted carpets, as well as rugs, and what are termed smooth floorcoverings such as wood laminate and vinyl. The market has been in a state of change for the last decade with the rising popularity of laminate and hardwood floorcoverings presenting a challenge to existing materials such as carpet which has seen their share of the market decline.

When Mintel last reported on this market in December 2004 the carpet and floorcovering market was seeing considerable innovation with consumers increasingly being attracted to non-traditional floorcoverings such as laminate. In part the growth in popularity of new materials was being boosted by low prices as well as fashion with laminate in particular being viewed increasingly as modern and cleaner/healthier alternative to the fitted carpet.

The period since the last report has been overshadowed by a slowdown in the wider market for floorcoverings with this in large part related to a slowdown in growth in the UK economy. Although carpets too have been affected there is evidence that they may be coming back into fashion with some consumers suggesting that the honeymoon period with laminate may be at an end.