Dimplex North America

"Despite the slowdown in new-home sales across the country and the unusually warm, early winter weather in some regions, the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry still is enjoying solid sales - with nearly 3 million hearth units shipped last year," says Jack Goldman, president of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association based in Arlington, Va. Hearth appliances shipments were down 11 percent in 2006 compared to 2005. The segment of the market that saw the decreases was the gas appliances - fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and gas logs - no doubt affected by the rise in natural gas prices. More