Kitchen & Bath Business September 2021 - 10

nkba note
September 2021
" One of the most
essential parts of KBIS
is learning the critical
nature of just how the
industry is evolving
and how quickly. "
reason to believe that this energy, enthusiasm and
enterprise will continue well into next year, particularly
since jobs are already being booked into
the fi rst quarter and beyond.
Our priorities have shifted, and the industry is
ESSENTIALLY SPEAKING...
W
E ARE ELATED that KBIS is moving ahead at full speed for a live
event in Orlando in February - not just because it will be a wonderful
reunion of our industry, but because we are preparing for it
with solid sales expectations that have just been revised upward in
NKBA's updated 2021 Market Outlook.
Th e adjusted projection of almost $171 billion in sales is, quite
simply, terrifi c. It's nearly 8% ahead of the initial estimates for the
year and an incredible 21.4% above the $140.8 billion tally for 2020. It even
beats the pre-COVID projections that were already solid. New construction
K&B spending is now expected to exceed 2020 by an impressive 28.5%, as
builders attempt to keep pace with substantial demand. Meanwhile, K&B
remodeling is expected to climb by 12.5%.
It is truly a robust projection, but I can't say I'm surprised. Our industry fundamentals
have remained strong, even facing the impacts of COVID-19 in
the past year-plus. I have always had confi dence in our industry. Our leaders,
designers, builders, manufacturers and sales force demonstrated their character,
strength, creativity and grit. We solved problems. We worked around
obstacles. We all have a new perspective on what " essential " means - especially
in areas like health care and food supply but also in the metamorphosis of
our homes. Th ey became the true centers of our lives. Nowhere is more essential
than that place in which we fi nd sanctuary, safety, serenity. Th is focus
on transforming our homes is pushing forward at a vigorous rate, and that's
borne out in the optimism for K&B in the updated outlook. We have every
10
 Illustration by Visual
Generation / Adobe Stock
keeping pace. Design trends, products, innovations,
installation methods, materials and fi nishes
have all shifted to accommodate these important
new concerns. Th e changes that came about as a
result of the pandemic will undoubtedly have a
lasting impact on many aspects of design, building
and remodeling. Th e trick is to know where the
greatest impacts will be.
Th is makes attendance at KBIS more essential
than ever. It's not only about product discovery and
the renewal of relationships, which will of course
be a most welcome experience. But it's also about
learning the critical nature of just how the industry
is evolving and how quickly. Eighteen months ago,
no one could have predicted what was coming, nor
can we foresee the changes that most certainly lie
ahead. We can, however, take lessons from what
has transpired to be better prepared to face the
future's inevitable challenges, like supply-chain
and labor issues. Th is requires a new way of thinking,
and there's really no better way to share ideas,
inspiration and solutions than with the spontaneous,
organic exchange that happens at a live event.
Savvy businesspeople recognize the need to stay
on top of their industry's developments and how
to think about the next revolution.

BILL DARCY
CEO
National Kitchen + Bath
Association
Twitter: @NKBA_CEO
/ SEPTEMBER 2021 / KBBONLINE.COM / Th e offi cial publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

http://www.twitter.com/NKBA_CEO http://www.KBBONLINE.COM http://www.NKBA.org http://www.KBIS.com

Kitchen & Bath Business September 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business September 2021