PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–The set business is strong in dinnerware, beverageware and flatware, according to a recent report from market research firm The NPD Group.
“Sets account for a larger share of market dollars than individual pieces,” said Debra Mednick, executive director of The NPD Group’s home business. “Rather than spending a premium on individual pieces, consumers can get everything they need in a neat package with the added benefit of saving some money.”
In the 12 months ending October 2012, sales of dinnerware sets were up 5 percent, NPD said, “but so is the formal segment with dollar increases of 21 percent.” In beverageware, sets are outpacing the overall category, which NPD said is down compared to last year. Wine glasses and serveware items such as pitchers, carafes and punch bowls are outperforming as well. In flatware, multipiece sets account for more than 8 percent of dollars and are outpacing the category, which, like beverageware, is down from last year. The casual segment accounts for about three-quarters of total sales, according to NPD.