The online furniture market in the UK is one of the most burgeoning and profitable industries with large growth potential. The industry is well-developed and has a significant presence of small and large retailers. The market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Top players include Made and Ikea. Also, there are niche furniture stores such as the Nicky Cornell French furniture store that offers contemporary and shabby chic furniture on discount.  To survive and thrive in this market, retailers need to offer a differentiated product range and superior customer service.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK online furniture market. It discusses the latest trends, drivers, challenges in the market, and prospects for growth. It also provides detailed segmentation of the furniture market in the UK.

What Are The Drivers For UK Online Furniture Market Growth?

The UK online furniture market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.92% annually during the forecast period (2022-2026). Some of the key drivers for growth in the UK online furniture market include the following:

●      Increasing internet penetration: The internet has become an integral part of daily life and is increasingly used for shopping purposes. The percentage of households with internet access in the UK is 94.7%. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period, which will enable more people to shop for furniture online.

●      Increasing preference for online shopping: The UK population is increasingly shifting towards online shopping due to the convenience and wider product range. Millennials are the biggest contributors to this trend.

●      Growing number of online furniture retailers: The online furniture market in the UK is highly competitive, with many retailers present. Some of the key players in the market include Wayfair, Ikea, Amazon, and Argos. This competition is expected to intensify during the forecast period.

●      Demand for customized furniture: Consumers in the UK increasingly demand customized furniture as per their specific requirements. This trend is driven by the growing preference for interior decoration and the desire for unique products.

UK Online Furniture Market Segmentation

The UK online furniture market can be segmented by product type, end-use, price range, and material.

●      By Product Type: The market can be classified into bedroom furniture, living room furniture, kitchen & dining furniture, office furniture, and garden furniture. Living room furniture is the largest product segment, with a market volume of USD 6.28bn in 2022.

●      By End-Use: The market can be divided into residential and commercial. The residential segment is growing rapidly due to consumers’ increasing preference for online furniture shopping.

●      By Price Range: The market can be bifurcated into low-priced, mid-priced, and high-priced furniture. There are many players in the online furniture market, so consumers have a wide range of options to choose from.

●      By Material: The market can be categorized into wood, metal, plastic, and others. Wood is the most popular material for furniture due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

UK Online Furniture Market Latest Trends

Some of the latest trends in the UK online furniture market include the following:

●      Increasing focus on sustainability: Sustainability is becoming an important factor for both consumers and businesses in the furniture industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly and sustainable furniture options. This is expected to drive the demand for sustainable furniture made from materials such as bamboo, rattan, and recycled plastic.

●      Growing popularity of vintage furniture: Vintage furniture is becoming popular among consumers in the UK looking for unique and stylish products. The growing popularity of interior decoration is driving this trend.

●      Use of technology in furniture: Furniture companies are increasingly using technology to offer a better user experience. Some key technologies used include virtual reality, Augmented reality, and 3D printing. These technologies, combined with online furniture shopping, provide consumers with a more immersive and realistic experience.

●      Increasing focus on omnichannel retailing: Omnichannel retailing provides a seamless shopping experience for consumers across all channels. It works by integrating the online and offline channels to provide a more cohesive shopping experience.

UK Online Furniture Market Challenges

The high cost of shipping and delivery is one of the major factors restraining the UK online furniture market growth. The furniture’s shipping cost is high compared to other products due to its bulky nature. This is a major challenge for small and medium-sized furniture retailers trying to compete with the large players in the market.

However, some companies offer free shipping and delivery for orders above a certain amount. This is helping to increase the adoption of online furniture shopping among consumers.

UK Online Furniture Market Future Outlook

The future of the UK online furniture market looks promising. Businesses are expected to focus on sustainability, technology, and omnichannel retailing to stay ahead of the competition. The furniture market in the UK is highly competitive, with many retailers present. Position yourself for success in this rapidly growing industry to take advantage of the trends and future opportunities.