HIRI bears down on research agenda

Along with the nuts-and-bolts consumer-research basics, the Home Improvement Research Institute will deliver bonus insights to members in 2016.

That’s according to Pam Heidel, HIRI’s managing director.

“The industry appears to be on track for sustained growth, and HIRI data will continue to support our members’ growth,” said Pam Heidel, HIRI’s managing director. “The 2016 research agenda builds upon our previous strong work done.”

Included in the HIRI lineup are the following highlights:

• The HIRI 2016 size of market provides important data on the health and direction of the industry and includes updates on all nine Census Divisions delivered February and September. Two interim updates provides insight if forecasts are on track delivered in May and November.

• The HIRI Sentiment Tracking Studies are a quarterly reading on the outlook for the industry with data on project areas around the home.

• The Product Purchase Tracking Study is scheduled to be complete in June 2016. It is an amazing overview of 228 specific products, 37 specific products, 21 home services, along with extensive attitudinal, demographic, lifestyle and media information. This wave will include a new product category segmentation to provide deeper detailed insights.

• HIRI’s Social Media Listening Program will provide insights on interest levels in 10 home improvement projects and identify trends within those projects.

For the complete list of upcoming reports, visit HIRI.org.

According to Heidel, the value of the research delivered to members (in excess of $560,000) is 50 times the cost of the subscription dues of $11,250. “This is member-driven research at a value that is remarkable,” she said.

HIRI is managed by Lebhar-Friedman, the parent company of HBSDealer.