The current global emergency has brought in a massive transition in our lifestyle. The way we used to eat, meet greet and work – everything has entirely changed now. With that, it also made a permanent shift in the buying behaviour of consumers.
Amidst lockdowns and quarantines, organizations are calling back employees in batches, instructing WFH and gearing up for the future uncertainties.
Meanwhile, the bulk of ergonomic chairs, desk and furniture purchases are happening online. Some of the reasons behind these explosive sales are as follows;
- Numerous organizations are planning for market expansion after lockdown relaxation.
- Workers are now inclined to design a dedicated workspace at home.
- Employers are providing the right tools to their employees so they can work efficiently and be more productive.
- Homeowners want to break the monotony and utilize this moment sprucing up their home with new functional and comfy furniture.
However, as everything is going through the winds of revival – employers, suppliers and workers are perplexed as to how to go about ordering furniture online.
Given the new changes, here are some observations on the “new normal” which buyers are likely to witness in the furniture industry and how they will impact the buying process.
The surge in WFH furnishing
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When the COVID-19 crisis started, people did not imagine that they would have to work from home for months and become tech-savvy. Zoom calls and social media platforms revamped socializing routines and the way people worked. The buying behaviour of working professionals drastically changed in the last few months.
And to combat and adapt to these changes, furniture companies also navigated through the new demands. If not anything, the current situation has taught us how quickly things become insignificant.
From ordering outdoor furniture, designer sofas in one week to office furniture and equipment in the next – consumer behaviour has completely changed. The rise of these new demands is primarily driven by the work from home culture.
A massive shift from stores to e-commerce
Lately, The world has seen a spectacular spike in online sales!
Many buyers do not have adequate information about the furniture suppliers and promising brands in the marketplace. Owing to the restrictions on movement, buyers have to make decisions based on the virtual catalogues and product description. They will have to say goodbye to experiential furniture shopping.
Presently, buyers are spending 40-50% more time on examining the products online, and most of them are first-time online furniture shoppers.
This is a golden opportunity for organised furniture players. They should leverage the new trend and deliver extraordinary virtual store experiences. This way, they will be prepared for future changes ahead of time.
Overestimating the furniture requirement
Organizations usually purchase furniture based on the current number of workers, expansion goals, clients and visitors. Lockdowns may have lifted, but companies are operating with a limited number of workers.
Moreover, with the change in work culture and the limitations in the supply chain, organizations are likely to buy more furniture in bulk to accommodate the needs of their remote workforce.
Consider furniture assembly and orientation before buying
Gone are the days when you could call an executive from furniture companies to take specific measurements and layout evaluation of your space. Earlier, depending on the requirements and measurements, furniture suppliers used to suggest the right products for your workspace.
Now, as these services will not be readily available for everyone, buyers need to be extra vigilant about the proportions, orientation and layout. Another complication is, you will not get outside assistance anymore while assembling your online store-bought furniture. So, make sure someone in your house knows how to set-up the furniture without seeking help.
The need for comfortable and functional furniture
Earlier, the chair was needed just for seating purposes. Now with workers spending extra time to tackle the to-do list while working remotely and with organizations operating with limited staff in the office, there is a need for furniture that can do more.
Corporations are incorporating functional furniture like a sofa cum bed, armchair with table pad, a lounging chair or a table which can be “unfolded” as a bed so the professionals don’t experience the workplace burnout. In tenuous times like these, we need holistic solutions that don’t just comfort the body but calm the mind as well.
Final thoughts
Sooner than later, these five major possibilities will shape up buyers’ behaviour and the furniture industry. Uncertainties will come and go! Everyone needs to evolve and pivot to the new setting while co-existing with the coronavirus.
If you own an enterprise and need to buy office furniture in bulk or you are a professional who wants to upgrade to the ergonomic office set up at home, then you can check the entire range of premium office chairs, executive chairs and armchairs by the HOF.
We have been in the ergonomic furniture manufacturing industry since 1986. We are a preferred choice of customers for bulk orders. When you buy products from the HOF, you get top-notch, sturdy and affordable chairs for your organization with best-in-class features. To know more about us and our products, please visit shop.hofindia.com
