COLUMBUS — Average sales growth for HARDI’s reporting HVACR distributor members increased 5.9 percent in the June 2013 Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (TRENDS) report. Five of seven reporting regions experienced growth versus June 2012, and two of them grew at double digit rates. According to the association, the annual growth rate of 6 percent through June is consistent with the narrow growth range reported year-to-date.
“Improving consumer spending trends and additional gains in residential construction continue to support HARDI member sales,” observed Andrew Duguay, HARDI senior economist. “Despite the reinstated payroll taxes this year, the consumer is still shopping aggressively. Retail sales in the second quarter experienced the highest year-over-year growth rate in more than a year.”