According to Informa’s DBK Sector Observatory, the furniture retail sector experienced a significant rebound during the 2021-2022 biennium amid a recovery in economic recovery and remarkable market dynamics.
After rising 19.4% in 2021 and returning to pre-pandemic levels, retail sales rose 11% in 2022 to €3,830 million. The upward trend in prices made a significant contribution to this development.
All segments developed very positively. Home furniture sales reached 2,680 million euros in 2022, up 10.3% and accounting for 70% of the total market value.
The kitchen furniture sector again recorded the greatest growth in sales (+13.6%), which amounts to a value of 670 million euros and a share of 17.5% of total sales.
According to estimates, in 2022, 87% of furniture retailing was accounted for by specialist retailers, with the rest being distributed among hypermarkets, department stores and hardware stores.
The market penetration of the online channel continued to increase, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. It is estimated that it currently accounts for around 14% by value of sales of furniture, lighting and household items.
SLOWING DOWN GROWTH
Forecasts point to a noticeable short-term slowdown in the growth of retail sales of furniture due to the loss of purchasing power of households and the weakening of the real estate market.
There is a trend towards concentrating the branch offer on the large chain stores represented on the market. In 2022, the group of the first five operators collectively concentrated almost 50% of the total revenue.
