The death industry projects a rosy future for its services. The U. S. Census Bureau sees a 61 percent increase in the number of deaths in the next thirty years. SCI expects the need for funeral services to rise accordingly and, it says, by its aggressive expansion program intends to meet this need. Cremations may be the cloud over the death industry. Twenty-one percent of all deaths result in cremations and that number is rising, quickly.
Cremations are also much cheaper, which appeals to budget-conscious consumers.
Much of the profit in a traditional funeral service is in the casket, as Elder Law FAX noted last week. Cremations obviate the need for an expensive metal coffin. Analysts expect consolidation in the industry to continue, even as after the sale to one of the big chains the names of the family founders remain on the door. 201 Walton Ferry Road, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37077-0364. Copyright 1998 by Timothy L. Takacs.