2005 follows what was one roller coaster of a year: lots of ups and downs, and unexpected turns at sometimes blinding speeds. The typical economic indicators, such as unemployment, lending rates, the stock market and consumer confidence, are positive. Clear growth opportunities exist in niche markets which will help drive industry sales to respectable levels. That's the good news. The bad news is job and captive shops as well as industry suppliers are wrestling with key issues impacting sales growth and profitability. Fanning the flames are cost pressures, stricter environmental regulations, China's increasing role in U.S. manufacturing, and runaway raw material prices.
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