Consumer Interest in Home Furnishings at High Level, Survey Shows.

Byline: Richard Craver

Oct. 2--Consumer interest in home furnishings has reached its highest level this year, according to two monthly surveys that measure furniture shipments and purchases.

Domestic manufacturers reported increases in new orders and shipments during July, the first time there have been monthly gains in both categories in 2003, according to a financial-services company, BDO Seidman LLP.

"We believe we may actually be seeing the first real signs of a recovery for the furniture industry," said Ken Smith, the director of furniture services for BDO Seidman. "Almost everyone we talked with felt that Labor Day sales were good following …