By Joanne Friedrick, Research editor
HIGH POINT — The pandemic has had a major impact on so much of what drives the furniture industry of late, and a desire for health and wellness-related products is just one more factor.
According to a Furniture Today survey of retailers, the pandemic was cited by 88% of respondents for the increased interest in wellness-related products. Also high on the list was the increased introduction of items into the category, with particular emphasis on sleep-related technology.
Additionally, nearly 83% of those already selling furniture that falls into the health and wellbeing classification saw higher demand last year, especially from Baby Boomers.
The Boomer demographic (individuals ages 57 to 75) easily led the way in both interest in and purchase of these types of products at 53% and 61%, respectively. Survey respondents put adjustable bed bases at the top of Baby Boomers’ shopping lists, followed by mattresses and lift chairs.
Gen X, which encompasses those 41 to 56, were the next most likely to buy products that promote health and wellbeing, selecting mattresses, adjustable bed bases and massage chairs, in that order.
While the industry is embracing these good-for-you categories, the percentage of inventory remains varied, with 41% of respondents allocating 10% or less to health and wellness products; yet, 19% said these products accounted for 50% or more of their total offerings.
Mattresses was the No. 1 product within the health and wellness group, listed by 79% of retailers who identified themselves as participants in the category. Looking ahead, however, retailers felt adjustable bed bases, lift chairs and ergonomic office furniture would surpass mattresses for having the best growth potential over the next five years.
Methodology
The findings contained in this report are qualitative in nature. They are derived from a small sample of respondents and shouldn’t be projected in numeric terms to larger populations. As such, the findings are directional and should be considered descriptive rather than explanatory.
The survey was conducted and analyzed in January 2022 by Furniture Today’s Strategic Insights personnel. The majority of respondents were full-line, specialty or manufacturer-branded furniture retailers operating 20 or fewer stores.
Furniture Today covers all the news concerning manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in the home furnishings sector.
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