Low-priced sofas?

March 21, 2011

Furniture/Today and HGTV's latest consumer survey on stationary upholstery reveals the features shoppers think are most important. In order the top five are comfort, durability, stain-resistant fabric and warranty.

One survey respondent sums up her wants beautifully, "Upholstery must be comfortable or I won't use it; durable, or it won't last; and have a warranty, just in case.

So where does price fall on the consumer's want-list? The lowest price is No. 16 out of 20 features, chosen as an important criteria for only 19% of respondents.

Our survey also asked if consumers preferred to spend more or less on a sofa. And, nearly nine out of 10, 87%, said they wanted to spend more because a sofa is an investment. Only 13% preferred to buy a less expensive one.

Click here to download the complete report, which published in the March 21 issue of Furniture/Today. It's available through this link for free through April 20, 2011. After that, it will be available through Furniture/Today's Research Store.

Finally, I'd like to thank two groups for their part in this exclusive consumer report. First, thanks to HGTV, our consumer data partner since 2008. And, thank you to Buena Park, Calif.-based Fairmont Designs who sponsored the presentation of the data.

Posted by Dana French on March 21, 2011 | Comments (6)

Industries: Business News , Research / Analysis

August 30, 2012

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
The Sofa Works commented:

April 4, 2011

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
Sofa Table commented:

I agree that buying a sofa is a major investment. However, there are still some people who will always pick a cheaper sofa over a more comfortable sofa. And now a days, its harder to find just a good sofa. The way the furniture stores present them makes it seem like the only way it will be a complete investment is if you buy all the pieces, including the sofa tables and lamp. That's why my family went to a cheaper store where they had individual pieces and no push to buy everything.

March 31, 2011

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
Jacob commented:

Customers view sofas as an investment? Wish i sold where this survey was taken. All the business that Ashley is doing around here points otherwise.

March 25, 2011

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
jason bournea commented:

wmc in rcvrship...345 million ,wait thats more than all hi pt will cost the new owners for 2x the sq ft......and thats one building ,the last one is 550 million dollars to build ....wow thats enuf to buy every property in triad thats for sale ,all of them....somethings not right ...overpaying and what do you get for the $$$$$$ lotta empty space,and no pay tenants.not a sound investment,like hpu 34mill in bank owes 160 million in debt.......

March 23, 2011

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
THOM commented:

Great information. Sadly, the customer wants something to last for 10+ yrs but still seems to not want to make the monetary investment when it comes time to purchase.. Maybe the new economy will change their purchasing ways.

Keep up the great work..

March 23, 2011

In response to: Low-priced sofas?
THOM commented: