Abstract
This report examines the lacklustre state of the living room furniture market and how the changing fortunes of the UK housing market and cheap imports have influenced sales trends.
Also explored is how lifestyle trends are blurring categorisation: Living & Working, LivingDining, Living Space and Lounge & Library are just some of the labels manufacturers are attaching to their latest collections of ' living room' furniture.
Key themes:
- With a housing market slowdown and the consumer credit crunch what can the market do to encourage more purchases at times other than when setting up or moving home?
- Cheap imports are creating havoc in the market, with goods from South East Asia putting UK manufacturers at a disadvantage. Are there any ways they can fight back?
- How are the trends towards smaller properties, home working and less structured eating arrangements creating a more flexible approach to a household' s main living space?
- Is there an element of the market that is technology-driven, with growing penetration of flat-screen TVs, PCs and other technology in the home?
- How environmental concerns are assuming a greater importance in furniture manufacture and influencing product development.
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