Without question, consumer shopping habits have changed beyond recognition since the online eCommerce revolution. You can now buy virtually anything online and no longer need to visit a store to get most of what you want and need.
Even big-ticket items like cars and furniture are routinely purchased online these days. In light of this seismic shift in shopping trends, you won’t be surprised to discover that you can order some stunning online kitchens that can be delivered to your door without even needing to visit a showroom.
So the question is, how do global shopping trends look when it comes to buying such a significant item as furniture, or a new kitchen online?
Trends vary across the pond
One aspect that is particularly noticeable is how different the buying habits are of consumers in Europe compared to the US.
A key takeaway from reported trends is that American consumers tend to display a much higher level of online buying confidence when it comes to a major purchase such as furniture, compared to their European counterparts.
A number of high-profile consumer reports from companies such as Catalyse Research, Prodege, and IPEA were asked to compile data from nearly 25,000 consumers spread across the US and ten different European countries. One of the most significant reveals from this collated data is that US shoppers are virtually twice as likely to confidently order big-ticket items like furniture online compared to European consumers.
Based on the findings of the research, it is estimated that roughly 40% of furniture shopping in the US is done online. This is a marked difference to the estimated 20% of online furniture purchases made by European shoppers.
Old habits die hard
It is definitely way too early to be calling the end of physical furniture stores. Although a growing number of shoppers are more than happy to browse products online and make comparisons on things like price, delivery, and other key aspects that impact a furniture purchase, there’s still a strong contingent of shoppers who want to see and touch the goods before buying.
It is not just the ability to see a product like an item of furniture in the flesh; it’s also important for a hardcore of shoppers to seek out professional guidance from the sales assistant in the store.
Naturally enough, a lot of online furniture stores are very adept at addressing these issues. You can chat to staff online and discuss any questions you have about their products. There is also often the opportunity to be able to order the item with a guarantee to return it if you don’t like it when you receive it.
The US leads the way in trends
It has often been the case that US consumers lead the way in developing new habits such as shopping online, and it gradually becomes a global phenomenon over a period of time.
The evidence of consumer research suggests that this is what is happening with online furniture buying. The number of online shoppers buying furniture and whole kitchens for delivery is only going to increase over time.
When you see the range of online products and services that are already online, and the quality of their offerings, it is no surprise that the number of people who are happy to buy these items online is continuing to grow.
