Furniture retail news
Here are some recent news and trends in the furniture retail industry:
1. Online Furniture Sales Continue to Grow
According to a report by the National Retail Federation, online furniture sales in the US grew by 14.2% in 2020, with sales reaching $14.4 billion. This trend is expected to continue, with more consumers turning to online platforms for furniture shopping.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Furniture retailers are increasingly focusing on sustainability and eco-friendliness, with many consumers prioritizing environmentally responsible products. This includes the use of recycled materials, sustainable wood sources, and energy-efficient designs.
3. Customization and Personalization
Consumers are looking for unique, customized furniture pieces that reflect their personal style. Retailers are responding by offering customization options, such as bespoke designs, color matching, and personalized messaging.
4. Smart Furniture and Technology Integration
The rise of smart homes has led to an increased demand for furniture with integrated technology, such as smart TVs, wireless charging stations, and voice-controlled lighting.
5. Experiential Retail
Furniture retailers are investing in experiential retail, creating immersive experiences for customers through interactive displays, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
6. Omnichannel Retailing
Furniture retailers are shifting towards omnichannel retailing, offering a seamless shopping experience across online and offline channels. This includes features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and reserve-online-pickup-in-store (ROPIS).
7. Competition from Online Retailers
Online retailers like Wayfair, West Elm, and IKEA are disrupting the traditional furniture retail landscape, offering competitive pricing, wide selection, and convenient delivery options.
8. Store Closures and Consolidation
In response to changing consumer behavior and increased competition, some furniture retailers are closing underperforming stores and consolidating their operations.
9. Furniture-as-a-Service (FaaS)
Furniture-as-a-Service (FaaS) is a new business model that allows consumers to rent furniture for a monthly fee, rather than purchasing it outright. This model is gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers.
10. Global Market Trends
The global furniture market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2020 to 2025, driven by increasing demand from emerging markets like Asia and Latin America.
These are just a few of the latest trends and news in the furniture retail industry. As consumer behavior and technology continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation and disruption in the years to come.