Just how long is the path to purchase for furniture shoppers?
22 May 2024

Provoke Insights analyzes the consumer journey of furniture shoppers and unveils key findings about complex buying behaviors.

Furniture Today discusses the research results of an April 2024 trends report conducted by Provoke Insights, shedding light on consumer furniture purchasing trends and how they influence behaviors such as impulse shopping. The article discusses consumer behaviors in furniture purchasing, revealing varied decision timelines, a balance between brand loyalty and exploration, and a mix of planned and spontaneous buying. It highlights diverse shopping preferences across demographics, with stability in purchasing patterns observed over the past year.

Some noteworthy insights include:  

  • Furniture purchases have remained steady over the past year, with 13% of respondents making recent purchases, indicating consistent consumer interest in furniture items.
  • Despite 77% planning their purchases, nearly a quarter make spontaneous buys, reflecting a mix of deliberate planning and impulse buying.
  • 60% of recent furniture buyers take days or weeks to decide, indicating a prolonged buying journey.
  • Half of consumers opt for new furniture brands, showcasing a balance between brand loyalty and exploration.
  • One-third of prospective buyers plan to spend over $1,000, with higher-income households and certain demographic groups among the big spenders.
  • Chain furniture stores are the top choice (32%), followed by local stores (29%), but preferences vary across demographics, with different age and income groups favoring specific outlets.
Customer Journey Insights from 2024 Furniture Shopping Trends Study
15 May 2024

Drawing insights from Provoke Insight’s partnership with 3D Cloud on their 2024 Furniture Shopping Trends Study, this article emphasizes the emergence of a hybrid shopping model that seamlessly integrates online research with in-store purchases. 

Key takeaways include the research process involving online browsing and in-store visits and the significance of 3D technology in enhancing customer experiences. The study underscores the transformative potential of 3D visualization tools in furniture shopping, with consumers expressing a strong preference for retailers offering such experiences. These insights emphasize the need for retailers to adapt to these evolving trends to enhance customer experiences and remain competitive in the furniture retail space.

Other insights from the article include:

  • A growing trend of consumers utilizing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to visualize furniture in their own living spaces before making purchasing decisions.
  • Online furniture shoppers prioritize factors such as easy returns and flexible payment options, while in-store shoppers value personalized assistance and the ability to physically interact with products.
  • Millennials are driving the shift towards online and hybrid shopping experiences, stating convenience and time-saving benefits as the primary motivators.