24 PRODUCTS DISTRESS PURCHASES
Here to help When consumers encounter an unexpected or urgent need for furniture, that need should be addressed in a helpful and timely manner. This month, Furniture News asks two UK manufacturers operating in the distress purchase segment what this means for their product and service offering …
Although furniture tends to be a considered purchase, there are numerous instances in which consumers encounter an unexpected need for it, which must be rapidly addressed. Perhaps an elderly relative is discharged from hospital suffering from drastically reduced mobility, guests are coming to stay, and need somewhere to sleep, or a broken piece of furniture needs to be immediately replaced. In all these cases – and many others – a solution is required in a hurry, and speed of delivery is of the essence. The customer may not have time to shop around or consider their purchase, but it is up to the manufacturers and retailers operating in this segment
to offer them a clear proposition that reaches them as soon as possible. Guest beds, rise-and-recline chairs, sofabeds, mattress protectors and adjustable beds are just a few of the types of furniture that are often required with little or no warning. This month, Furniture News looks at some of the challenges and opportunities involved for those working in the ‘distress purchase’ segment of the furniture industry, with help from leading UK manufacturers Celebrity Motion Furniture (riser/ recliner and reclining chairs) and Jay-Be (mattresses, sofabeds, folding beds and accessories).
The need for new furniture can be unexpected or urgent, and should be handled sensitively (photo courtesy 123RF/zinkevych)
“It is up to those operating in this segment to offer the customer a clear proposition that reaches them as soon as possible