Unregulated e-commerce poses growing problems for the interior design industry, particularly in home lighting.
“A designer lamp costing SEK 17,000 in Sweden is being pirate copied in China and sold for SEK 2,500 online,” says Erika Cederberg, from the industry association Hemljus. This problem will be highlighted in the panel debate at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair (Möbelmässan).
Home lighting is a key part of the furniture industry, and has a natural place at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, 12–14 September at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre. The panel discussion, which concludes the first day of the fair, focuses on major challenges facing the industry, one of which is the competition situation.
“This has been accentuated by an upswing in e-commerce, especially during the pandemic,” explains Erika Cederberg, CEO of Watt & Veke and chair of the trade association Hemljus. She will participate in the debate.
Opportunity to increase knowledge
According to Erika, designer products should be experienced in real life, as part of an interior environment, in order to be fully appreciated. This is one reason why she greatly values the Gothenburg Furniture Fair:
“Here, design companies can convey the concept behind their design of a particular light. And we get an opportunity to increase knowledge about lighting and lighting design and offer information on electrical safety, laws and regulations.”
High quality and code of conduct
She wants to discuss the market situation at the panel debate.
“We need to ask questions such as: what are consumers spending money on today, considering the electricity costs and high interest rates? How can we ensure that they continue buying from us?”
“I believe consumers have a greater desire than ever for quality products that meet high safety and sustainability standards,” says Erika.
Ethical aspects, such as contractual pay and no child labour, are increasingly important to conscious consumers.
“Most suppliers today have a code of conduct, which shows that we know what we’re doing. The big question is how we, as an industry association and as businesses, can reach buyers and consumers with the limited resources at our disposal.”
Pirate copies are threatening the industry
Meanwhile, disloyal competition is a growing problem in the lighting industry.
“We’re seeing trademark infringements become increasingly common. Swedish brands are appearing on Chinese websites, and designer products are being directly copied.”
She recently discovered an exclusive lamp that costs SEK 17,000 in Sweden being sold for SEK 2,500 on one such pirate site.
“Bringing legal proceedings against a Chinese online company is extremely costly and time-consuming. You have to be a company with large resources and in-house lawyers to do this. Most of our members aren’t that sort of company,” Erika points out.
“But the issue needs to be raised. If this trend continues, it threatens to undermine the entire industry.”
Get your free ticket
