ST. PETERSBURG, FL — “Hybrid shopping,” a combination of digital research and in-store experiences, has become the most popular way to shop for furniture – a trend that portends an ongoing shift in consumer-purchase patterns for the kitchen and bath industry as well, market analysts say.
According to the recently released 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study, conducted in partnership with global market research firm Provoke Insights, online-only furniture shopping continues to rise in popularity while in-store-only shopping declines and a hybrid shopping experience remains the most dominant approach for furniture buyers, particularly those leveraging 3D tools to bridge online and in-store experiences.
Price negotiation is driving in-store visits, while convenience, price comparisons and wider selection fuel online purchases, the survey revealed. Online-only shopping increased substantially, the survey found, while in-store-only shopping declined but remained popular with shoppers over the age of 50, researchers noted.
“The shift in shopping behaviors underscores the growing reliance on digital experiences,” said Carly Fink, president of Ridgewood, NJ-based Provoke Insights.
“Consumers want the best of both worlds: the convenience of online shopping and the tactile confidence of in-store visits.
“Retailers must ensure they are delivering seamless and intuitive digital experiences that enhance both online and in-store journeys. Those who embrace a hybrid model and invest in intuitive technology will be the ones who will win.”
Among the study’s other findings:
- Shoppers are highly receptive to 3D room planners to bridge online and in-store experiences, provided that the 3D imagery is a true representation of the product that people are purchasing.
- While omnichannel experiences remain critical, consumers are eager for AI-driven solutions that improve visualization and decision-making, although a challenge remains in finding practical applications that deliver genuine value.
- 45% of surveyed shoppers now engage with both digital and in-store channels, “reinforcing the need for a seamless omnichannel experience.”