There has been a drastic change in how consumers shop for furniture. Gone are the days of spending hours walking through a showroom. Today, you can start the search by scrolling through your phone. Customers start by looking for furniture for sale on the internet, and they can digitally compare collections. Then, they go to a showroom to feel the furniture and make a final decision. The furniture buying journey has become a powerful combination of both methods.
How Today's Customers Buy Furniture
Flexibility is key when it comes to shopping for today`s furniture. Customers start the process by browsing online to generate ideas, get color samples, compare sizes, and check costs. After validating information offline, they go to a showroom for the final choice. This hybrid buying method saves time and reduces stress, allowing for the perfect furniture selection. The furniture buying journey has become a powerful combination of both methods. Adjusting to this change is key for furniture retailers to be able to target their audience.
The Perks of Buying Discounted Furniture Online
Time is not an issue when shopping online for discounted furniture since you can spend an unlimited amount of time browsing the various websites. Customers can search for discounted furniture at any time of the day, whether it is during the day, late at night, or during the day at work. Customers will be assisted by online shopping tools to determine whether a product will look good in the home. Recent technologies, like augmented reality previews, help customers visualize pieces in the home. It is common for online furniture stores to have a larger selection of materials, styles, and colors since they do not have an in-store inventory. It is also easy to find seasonal online promotions since the customer can open multiple website tabs to search for furniture promotions.
The Value of Shopping for Furniture In Person
The experience of browsing and shopping online can not compare to the experience of walking and shopping in a physical, beautifully designed furniture store. Customers want to feel the furniture they are considering. In-store shopping provides emotional context, letting customers enjoy the atmosphere, scale, and craftsmanship of the furniture. Showrooms bring the furniture to life, and they help customers visualize how the furniture will look in their home.
How Brick and Mortar Furniture Stores Build Customer Confidence
How do your customers build trust? Before trust is established, customers step inside your store and begin to build a mental image. They want to know the quality level your brand represents. They want to know your level of expertise in design, comfort, and materials. Concerns about performance fabrics, customizations, delivery timelines, and warranties. They want to know how real the advertised elements are in real life. They value an accurate explanation of furniture. They want to know how to avoid the common mistakes of underestimating the size of a piece of furniture and how to avoid the trap of misunderstanding the upholstery descriptions.
The Advantages of Buying Furniture On Sale In the Store
What are the exclusive advantages your customers receive when shopping in person? In-store, customers have first dibs at clearance and last chance items. Case goods and upholstery items can be thoroughly inspected at floor model showrooms. Customers have peace of mind and face value bargaining. Advanced pickup and expedited delivery can be negotiated. No unexpected customer values can be created online.
Advantages of Purchasing Furniture Online
Knowing your preferred style or brand is rare in in-person shopping. It is most suitable for small accent pieces and decor, or other items that are small and have clear dimensions. It is also beneficial for comparing modular systems and easier for selecting other aspects of furniture, such as the fabric and color options. Time-limited online furniture sales, especially seasonal, clearance, or holiday sales, let people buy furniture quickly at a good price. For busy professionals or people simply wanting the most efficient browsing experience, shopping online is most convenient.
Offline and Online Shopping Together
Leading furniture brands understand that shoppers seamlessly switch between online and in-store shopping. Most shoppers will research the brand online before ever visiting a showroom. They will filter things like dimensions and availability, read reviews, and create a favorites list that helps them finalize their decisions. When shoppers go to the store, they are educated and confident. This hybrid shopping experience allows brands like Statements by J to provide a consistent experience and focus on the customer.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying Furniture Online
Although online shopping is convenient, it also requires some level of legwork beforehand. For example, you must prepare to take precise measurements, including those of the doorways, hallways, elevators, and layout of the room where the furniture will go. When it comes to the specific product, descriptions must be read thoroughly, including those of the materials and finishes. Prepare yourself for possible returns. Review the policies, delivery instructions, and sampling. Reviews can help provide information on the comfort, durability, and other aspects of the item that may not be apparent in the product descriptions.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying Furniture In Store
Just like online shopping, showroom shopping is more productive when customers arrive prepared, which is why preparation is key to a smooth visit. Having photos of the room, measurements, color swatches, and inspirational images on hand will help when store associates attempt to provide recommendations. Make sure to test out as many pieces of furniture as you can to determine the ideal silhouette for the room. For certain pieces, the ideal silhouette may come down to personal preference, which is why the depth of the cushions and overall comfort level on each piece is so important to test.
Why Furniture Buying is the Perfect Marriage of Both Experiences
Buying furniture is emotional, tactile, and practical all at once, which is why online shopping for furniture must be balanced by an in-store experience. Online shopping is speedy and provides a great variety of research and review tools; however, an in-store shopping experience is authentic and provides a venue for trust and sensory confirmation. In today's modern retail environment, online and in-store shopping must be embraced to provide customers with the experience that fits their own individual lifestyles.
FAQ
1.Is buying furniture online better than going in-store?
Both store types have their pros and cons. Online can be more convenient, while in-store can give more variety. In-store shopping allows for a tactile experience. Plus, some stores offer more expert support than others.
2.Is buying furniture online a safe bet?
Yes, especially trustworthy furniture stores. Just be sure to check dimensions and materials, as well as the return policy.
3.Why visit a furniture store showroom?
People like to build their shopping confidence, especially for more expensive and high-end items.
4.Is there a difference in sales online vs. in store?
There are promotions online, but there are often in-store-only deals, especially for floor models and clearance items.
5.Should I look online before going to a store?
Yes. Online research is a smart way to narrow down options. It keeps the in-store visit quick and productive.