BRAZIL (Total Moveis)-. The pace of sales of furniture, appliances and construction materials in the first months of this year is stronger than last year and should ensure

average growth above 11% in retail durable goods both this month and the next. The figures and projections are from the Institute for Retail Development (IDV), which brings together the largest retail networks in the country. The expansion occurs mainly because of increased supply of credit, exemption from the Tax on Industrialized Products (IPI) for furniture, construction materials and appliances (refrigerators, stoves and washing machines) and the gradual reduction of interest rates since April, according to IDV president, Fernando de Castro.