Companies in this industry sell paint, coatings, wallpaper, and related supplies. Major companies include the retail divisions of paint manufacturers Benjamin Moore, Kelly-Moore, and Sherwin-Williams (all based in the US), as well as Farrow & Ball (UK), Inspirations Paint (Australia), and Nakashima Shokai (Japan).
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Home maintenance, home sales, and construction and remodeling trends drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on effective merchandising and marketing and the ability to establish relationships with contractors. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, distribution, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialty products, providing superior customer service, or serving a local market. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 85% of industry revenue.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major product lines include interior paint (nearly 60% of revenue), exterior paint (nearly 20%), and coatings (less than 5%), such as stains, varnishes, and shellacs. Companies typically also sell painting equipment, such as brushes, rollers, and sprayers, and paint and wallpaper supplies, such as primers, adhesives, and caulks.