After a challenging economic period marked by inflation and uncertainty, UK furniture and floorcoverings shoppers are increasingly prioritizing quality as financial pressures start to ease, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “UK Sector Series: Furniture & Floorcoverings, 2023-2028”, reveals that consumers are starting to opt for higher quality furniture and floorcoverings as their real wages start to increase and many have more disposable income.

Emily Scott, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In the increasingly competitive furniture and floorcoverings market, consumers are placing a higher premium on quality. As consumer expectations shift, there is a growing demand for durable, well-crafted products that offer both functionality and design sophistication. This reflects a broader movement where individuals are more willing to invest in long-lasting pieces, aligned to the trend of sustainability. Consumers are becoming more discerning, as they evaluate long-term value over short-term cost savings.”

In 2024, 93.9% of consumers stated that quality was the most important factor when purchasing furniture and floorcoverings. In contrast, price declined by 1.5ppts in importance versus 2023*. As consumers increasingly prioritize quality over price, there will be a noticeable shift towards long-term value and sustainability. This could boost the shares of players like Next and John Lewis, as both retailers have reputations for well-crafted products.

Scott adds: “Recent investments the retailers have made, such as into Next’s brand presence in furniture and John Lewis’ Never Knowingly Undersold price promise, will start to pay off. In contrast, value-focused players may find 2025 more difficult. For value-focused players to succeed, they must promote their quality credentials and consider launching design-led collections.”

Scott concludes: “ScS’ acquisition by Poltronesofà highlights the shift in the furniture market towards higher quality. Poltronesofà’s reputation for Italian craftmanship aligns perfectly with this shift – although perhaps not with ScS’ core customers. This suggests a future where the furniture market is shaped by an appetite for quality and longevity, as consumers seek investments that enhance their living spaces and align with broader trends of economic recovery and conscious spending.”

*GlobalData’s 2024 How Britain Shops survey of 9,000 nationally representative UK consumers