The sofa market - France

The global market for sofas, a key segment of the broader living room furniture category, has seen notable growth, with the health crisis prompting increased demand for home comfort. In 2021, the United States dominates the market with estimated sales of around $226.78 billion, contributing to a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.57% for the market from 2023 to 2028.

The French market, which positions "upholstered" products as the third most important segment, rebounded significantly in 2021, exceeding 14 billion euros in sales, up 8.8%. Despite a trade deficit with an average import growth of 6% between 2014 and 2022, French furniture exports are mainly oriented towards the European market, particularly Germany and Switzerland. There is a correlation between the sofa market and the real estate sector, with a recovery in construction after 2020 expected to drive future sofa demand. Consumer behavior reveals a preference for comfort and well-being, prompting greater investment in home furnishings, with the online "web-to-store" model gaining ground.

Despite volatile economic conditions, sofa prices have seen moderate growth, mainly due to supply chain constraints. In France, leading manufacturers such asAlpagroup have consolidated their presence against a backdrop of market concentration, with 'Ikea France (€3.28 billion in 2022), CONFORAMA (€1.75 billion in 2022) and BUT (€2.12 billion in 2022). Conforama and But are both part of the Austrian Mobiliux Group).

The geographical distribution of manufacturing plants in regions such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine (24 plants) and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (14 plants) testifies to the extent of the industry in the country.

demand trends for upholstered furniture in France

The French upholstered furniture market is enjoying notable stability, with a particular focus on sofas, especially the fabric and leather varieties. This sector represents a significant share of the French furniture market, between 15 and 20% in terms of value. As price is a crucial factor, consumers also consider style and quality in their purchasing decisions, mainly through supermarkets. However, the digital market is booming, introducing new competitors and diverse distribution channels, while traditional players strive to consolidate their positions. Sales of second-hand furniture have increased, propelled by the Internet and signalling a shift in consumer behavior towards the circular economy.

The French furniture market is dynamic. The sofa segment, in particular, bears witness to the market's potential. Consumer behavior has shifted considerably as a result of the need to stay indoors due to health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This period led to an increase in demand for comfortable, wellness-oriented furniture. Trends such as cocooning, indicating a desire for domestic comfort, are dominant, with online "web-to-store" models facilitating the consumer's buying journey. The second-hand market is also undergoing an interesting evolution, with almost 60% of French people making second-hand purchases, compared with 17% in previous years.

The resurgence of the French furniture market, which has passed the fourteen billion euro mark, speaks volumes about consumers' inclination to invest in the comfort of their homes. This investment extends to sofas, which continue to top the list of purchase intentions, revealing the central place they occupy in domestic living spaces. With over 60 billion euros spent on home furnishings, or almost 5% of the total French household budget, the market is undeniably solid and continues to grow

An overview of the key players in the competitive landscape of the French sofa market.

Certain companies have emerged as significant contributors, shaping the overall market dynamic through their presence.

• IKEA France is a heavyweight in the furniture industry, not only in France but worldwide. Its range of affordable Scandinavian-inspired furniture has made it a benchmark for many households. The IKEA product catalog includes a varied selection of sofas renowned for their practicality, style and do-it-yourself design.
• Conforama is another key player in the market, offering a vast selection of home furnishings, including a wide variety of sofas. They combine affordability and style, appealing to a wide audience and meeting the demand for comfortable, attractive solutions for the living room.
• BUT occupies a strong market position as a supplier of a comprehensive range of sofas. With its focus on value for money, BUT has captured the interest of budget-conscious consumers who seek quality without compromising on aesthetics.
• Maisons du Monde brings a unique take on home furnishings, infusing its offerings with chic, trendy design. The store is particularly well known for its eclectic range of decorative items and furniture, including elegant sofas to suit a variety of tastes and preferences.
• Gautier, renowned for its high-quality furniture, occupies a prime position in the market with its emphasis on craftsmanship and durability. Its sofas often feature a blend of contemporary design and the art of traditional furniture-making. Together, these players represent the different facets of the French sofa market, from mass market to chic, elegant offerings to the timeless appeal of well-crafted furniture.

Each brand contributes to the wealth of choice available to consumers, catering to a myriad of domestic preferences and needs. By continuing to innovate and adapt to changing consumer trends, these market leaders testify to the dynamic and diverse nature of the French sofa market.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 23/11/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Estimated furniture market sales
• Estimated Sofas&Seats market sales
• Sales trends in the furniture market
• Sales trend for sofas, armchairs and banquettes
• Trends in the balance of trade in wooden living and dining room furniture
• Main destinations for French sofa exports
• France's leading sofa suppliers
• Number of housing units authorized and started
• Sales of older homes
• Furniture market structure
• Growth rates for different furniture market segments
• Change in the number of establishments manufacturing interior furnishing seats
• Change in workforce in the manufacture of interior furnishing seats
• Share of different distribution channels in the furniture industry
• Number of IKEA, CuirCenter, BUT and Maisons du Monde stores
• Sales by distribution channel in the furniture market
• Price index trends in the living-room furniture market
• Average producer prices for seats
• Market share of French sofa market leaders
• Who are the leading manufacturers of seating and sofas?
• Alpagroup sales trends and key stages in its transformation
• Survey of French household purchasing intentions for all types of furniture
• French habits and attitudes to furnishings and decorations
• France's favourite home furnishings and decoration brands