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FYI

By Staff
Publication: Casual Living
Date: Friday, February 1 2008
BRIEFLY.....

With romantic ambiance in the air and Valentine's Day right around the corner, fireplaces and hearth products provide an atmosphere many consumers desire. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, nearly half of all U.S. homes have at least one fireplace

or freestanding stove.

With hearth fast becoming a staple of American homes, there's no wonder new home buyers rank hearth among the top three features desired in their new home, that's after outdoor porches and upgraded kitchens, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

So whether celebrating Valentine's Day or simply seeking warmth on a chilly day, hearth and hearth products are something that consumers can warm up to in these winter months.

Consumer credit outstanding Percent change at annual rate Seasonally adjusted

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3r

Sept.r

Oct.r

Nov.p

2006

2007

Total

4.5%

4.7%

5.3%

6.5%

2.6%

1.0%

7.4%

Revolving

7.8

5.4

6.8

8.8

6.0

8.5

11.3

Nonrevolving

2.6

4.4

4.5

5.2

0.6

-3.5

5.1

Housing Unit numbers in thousands Seasonally adjusted annual rate

Permits

United States

Northeast

Midwest

South

West

November '07

1,152

128

189

576

259

Change from Nov. '06

-24.6%

-11.7%

-18.2%

-28.0%

-26.2%

Starts

November '07

1,187

128

202

601

256

Change from Nov. '06

-24.2%

-16.3%

-11.0%

-27.4%

-28.3%

New home sales

November '07

647

46

92

352

157

Change from Nov. '06

-34.4%

-28.1%

-38.7%

-34.3%

-33.8%

Existing home sales

November '07

5,000

870

1,180

1,990

960

Change from Nov. '06

-20.0%

-19.4%

-16.9%

-19.4%

-25.0%