Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The Office Furniture Wholesaling industry is dwindling. As manufacturers continue to incorporate the wholesale function into their businesses and communicate directly with retailers, many dedicated wholesalers are finding it difficult to compete. Poor economic conditions during the recession have driven down demand, affecting all levels of furniture production, wholesaling and retailing. Over the last five years, industry revenue will have shrunk at an average rate of 4.7% per annum, to £738.3 million. The fall this past year will not be quite as severe as the longer term average, falling at 3.1%. Falling business sentiment caused a decline in demand for office furniture during 2008 and 2009, as businesses delayed or forewent office upgrades... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Starting a New Business Chapter
Set-up costs can be a prohibitive barrier for new industry entrants. A traditional office furniture wholesaling business must have a warehouse or showroom space, and related handling infrastructure. Most operators also invest in lorries for transporting products from suppliers, and out to retailers or end users. There is significant capital outlay in modern computerised inventory systems and more advanced storage products aimed at maximising warehousing capacity. Furthermore, new entrants in this competitive industry would likely have to invest significantly in marketing and advertising initiatives to ensure a reliable supply of business.
Office furniture wholesalers are increasingly required to compete with large furniture manufacturers that also undertake wholesaling activities... purchase to read more