Editor’s Take: Aggression & Restraint

Recent reports from the National Association of Realtors show sales of existing homes have plunged to their lowest level in nearly a decade. And Bloomberg News reported that new home sales fell to their lowest level in more than a decade.

In such times, homeowners invest in their existing homes. That often means renovating kitchens or baths or painting — opportunities the typical cataloger obviously can’t pounce on. But consumers want their homes to look nicer, which also means making many smaller investments in things like window treatments, furniture, hardware, home décor, rugs and carpet, large and small kitchen appliances, plants and planters, etc. That’s where your opportunity knocks.