The furniture industry has long been battling a tough economic situation. However, new statistics published by HUI indicate that recovery is just round the corner: Furniture and interior design sales are expected to grow by 4.5% in 2025.
– It’s fantastic news! I believe the conditions are promising for an upswing in sales as early as this autumn, states CEO Marie-Louise Sigemalm of industry organisation FMI.
This good news arrives just in time for the industry’s biggest meeting place, the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, taking place on 16–18 September at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre.
– I am seeing increasing optimism about the future among our members, and many are planning to attend this year’s Gothenburg Furniture Fair, explains CEO Marie-Louise Sigemalm of FMI, or Färg Möbler & Interiör, an industry organisation for the furniture and interior design sector.
Heightened growth in the latest forecast
In June, analysis institute HUI Research, which is owned by Svensk Handel, raised its forecast for the growth of the furniture and interior design sector next year from 4 to 4.5 per cent, measured in current prices compared to 2024.
– We are expecting households to once again start investing in capital-heavy furniture during 2025, states Marie-Louise.
Personally, she believes that the uptick in the sector’s fortunes could come even sooner:
– We are already seeing the economic situation slowly start to right itself, and the worst of the cost increases are behind us. Households’ disposable income is now rising too, as inflation is subdued and interest rates fall.
Purchase power growing
Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, is due to announce a further two to three cuts to the policy rate this autumn.
– This is very significant, especially for those who have a large mortgage on their home. Simply put, consumers will have more money available to spend. At the same time, the housing market is starting to come to life, which is pivotal to the furniture industry.
– All in all, the development we are seeing is positive and I believe that the furniture industry will start to feel the effect of this as early as this autumn, explains Marie-Louise.
“See you at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair”
These positive signals are prompting companies to invest, see and be seen. Marie-Louise Sigemalm believes that this will be reflected at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair, which has more than 80 exhibitors booked this year – more than ever before.
– We are expecting good, broad attendance on the visitor front too. Everyone I speak to says ‘See you at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair’!
FMI, whose activities include providing members with legal advice and helping them in their interactions with various authorities, is itself a returning exhibitor. At this year’s fair, the aim is to shine a light on key issues for the future.
– There is a lot going on within the EU that will also affect our industry, with stricter legal requirements expected in a number of areas. Keeping up-to-date on developments is vital for all of us, not least on matters to do with terms of sale, pricing and sustainability.
Highlighting the importance of informed choices
Marie-Louise believes that furniture companies must start familiarising themselves with sustainability issues and make more informed choices in everything from purchasing to logistics.
– Companies of all sizes need to start working on a variety of issues to do with sustainability, she emphasises.
For a number of years now, FMI has been taking a targeted approach on matters to do with chemicals and preventive measures, to ensure that member companies do not purchase goods containing hazardous and prohibited substances.
– Having control over the chemical content of purchased goods benefits consumers, the brand itself, and the environment, highlights Marie-Louise.
– Likewise, we all need to do our bit to meet the EU’s climate targets. One way we can do this is by being careful about the materials we choose.
Read more about the fair