Across the industry

Why buying furniture is particularly cheap at the moment

The sharp slump in new residential construction, higher interest rates on loans and high inflation have severely curbed Austrians' desire to buy new furniture. As a result, industry sales slumped by almost ten percent to 4.75 billion euros last year. Now the aim is to grow again - which is good for customers.

The domestic furniture trade has had a turbulent few years. After growth in the coronavirus years of 2021 and 2022, as people embellished their homes (keyword "cocooning"), last year's business fell back to the level of just over 2019. "In the best-case scenario, the market will continue to move sideways this year," says industry expert Andreas Kreutzer.

Retailers XXXLutz, kikaLeiner, Ikea & Co. are nevertheless optimistic. Advertising and price campaigns are being used to stimulate demand.