The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors reported sales for its distributor members rose 5 percent during the second quarter. Sales slowed for manufacturer members, with growth up 6 percent.

While growth rates improved roughly 1 point compared to the first quarter for distributors, growth rates slowed 4 points for manufacturers. Both groups also lowered third quarter and full-year forecasts, however, there is still optimism around growth prospects versus the same period a year ago.

Compared to expectations for the second quarter, 30 percent of distributors came in better than forecast offset by 29 percent of distributors below forecasts. Although manufacturer sales slowed in the second quarter, the third quarter appeared to be off to a solid start with July and August sales growth both up 8 percent.