It all started way back at the turn of the century. Following a few strong years, the architectural paint market began to show signs of a slowdown in mid-2000. By the end of the year, shipments were down three percent in value ($6.4 billion) and 2.2% in volume (644 million gallons), according to Orr & Boss's U.S. Paint and Coatings Market Analysis. "And then it just rolled right into 2001," said Charles Bangert, a partner with Orr & Boss. When final numbers are tallied, 2001 sales of architectural coatings will be approximately $6.2 billion and 627 million gallons, a 2.6% decline in volume and 2.1% drop in value compared to 2000, according to Orr & Boss estimates.
"Certainly, within the architectural and decorative markets for coatings and paint we are seeing a slow down as housing and office building permits are slowing," said Phil Phillips, president of PGPhillips, a Southern Pines, NC-based consultancy.
"As long as the economy is in the shape that it is in, and things are as sluggish as they are, I think the industry is going to be that way," said Mr. Bangert. "As soon as we se
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