CULP INC

Overall demand for our residential and commercial upholstery fabrics depends upon consumer and business demand for furniture products, which is subject to variations in the general economy, including current inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending and declines in consumer confidence. Purchases of furniture products are discretionary purchases for most individuals and businesses, and economic downturns or periods of depressed consumer confidence reduce demand for our upholstery fabrics. In addition, sales of residential furniture are influenced significantly by the housing industry and by trends in home sales and household formation. Reduced home sales in recent years have adversely affected our residential sales.

Additionally, demand for our upholstery fabrics and window treatment products for the commercial and hospitality industries generally reflects economic trends affecting businesses; consumer spending on travel and experiences; demand for new and refurbished hotel and resort properties; and demand for new and refurbished commercial office space. Increased consumer spending on travel and experiences following the COVID-19 pandemic has driven increased demand for our products in the hospitality market, while significant challenges in the commercial real estate market following the pandemic and its impact on remote work trends have adversely affected our commercial sales to some extent.

The sourcing of components and fully assembled furniture from overseas continues to play a major role in the furniture industry. The largest source for imported upholstery fabrics continues to be China, while China and Vietnam now serve as the largest sources for fully assembled furniture. Imports of upholstery fabric, both in roll and in “kit” form, have significantly impacted the furniture market in recent years, with fabrics entering the U.S. from China and other low labor-cost countries resulting in increased price competition in the upholstery fabric and upholstered furniture markets. The supply chain and pricing impacts stemming from the ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and China and other low labor-cost countries, as well as related tariff and import control measures, may ultimately impact this competitive dynamic.

In general, the residential furniture industry has been consolidating for several years, with the result of this trend being fewer, but larger, customers for marketers of upholstery fabrics. Intense price competition continues to be an important consideration for both residential and commercial furniture.

Additionally, with the ongoing trade discussions and other tensions between the U.S. and China, including additional tariff and import control measures, the trend of customers transitioning some or all of their supply chains away from China beginning in late fiscal 2019 has continued and, in some cases, accelerated. While we believe Asia remains a preferred location for sourcing of components, including fabric, we continue to diversify our sourcing strategies to develop additional geographic options to service our customers.