In the wake of the Brexit vote, sales of furniture in the UK have tumbled. However, recent trends have shown a reversal of this pattern thanks to the vote finally having action this January with an increased demand for unique furniture pieces and, in particular, for online purchases. This is largely due to advances in technology.
Within the UK, purchases of customised and bespoke furniture items are on the rise, responding to the knowledge that too many for too long have been slaves to large-scale design. Individuality and identity were ignored. Now customers are fighting back. They want to establish their personality by choosing products that emit quality and design.
Home improvement is in the rise and people are spending more on things like front rooms and services like a Kitchen Fitters Essex company. Interestingly, behavioural psychologists have acknowledged that being involved in the design process gives the customer a sense of pride and adds emotional value to the item.
Industry benefits from these trends also. Customised furniture for the office can become a significant component of a company’s marketing strategy. This cements the brand and influences the client, and staff become more engaged and productive.
Technology Trends
Companies have embraced the new technology that allows CAD software to assist the customer when designing and purchasing their products from the comfort of the kitchen. In turn, this allows firms to save on warehouse space as well as production costs. Stock is reduced and productivity increased. The customer is able to visualise the finished item. The end result is the manufacturing of high-quality contemporary products.
Bespoke, Not Broke!
Bespoke furniture does not only suit the elite. As pointed out by the Financial Times, customisation appeals to the masses. In fact, choices that a client makes can feed into the broader design process, resulting in cheaper products.
Colours, shapes, sizes and budgets can all be manipulated and applied to a myriad of furniture items to suit individual tastes.
All of this can only be great news for the bespoke furniture supplier. Products become more exciting. Costs fall. Productivity increases, as does employment. The winner takes it all.
So are you one of a growing army of consumers who have the courage to customise?
