Rising shipping, production costs push furniture prices higher ahead of worldwide trade market

Furniture makers eye price hikes early in upturn

RALEIGH, N.C. — Now that consumers are showing signs they’re willing to start spending again, some furniture companies are raising prices.

The companies are blaming price increases on higher costs for producing in Asia and for shipping goods across the Pacific.

Industry insiders expect more price increases after buyers and producers gather in High Point for the world’s biggest furniture trade fair beginning Saturday.

The president of Atlanta-based Impact Consulting Services says some manufacturers who announce higher prices may back off later if major retail stores decide they can’t pass the cost onto consumers.

The Commerce Department reported that sales at furniture and home furnishings stores last month climbed 1.5 percent over February and by 4.2 percent from March 2009.