Despite more home office

How office outfitter Bene is revamping its business

Hundreds of employees produce furniture "made in Austria" in Waidhofen an der Ybbs.(Bild: Copyright: Andrea Hirsch)

The Mostviertel-based office outfitter Bene does not see working from home as a threat and exports its goods as far afield as Arabia. In an interview with "Krone", CEO Michael Fried sees the need for new office space, people are moving back to their companies.

The furniture trade is a tough place, with sales falling by eight percent in 2024. The boom during the pandemic was followed by a slump and major bankruptcies. Consumers are more likely to postpone upcoming investments in new furniture due to fear of saving money, and budgets are often tight in companies.