The interior decoration sector in France in 2018
The interior decoration sector in France is on the rise and so is the global one, and this trend is set to continue. In 2018, the turnover of the ‘Furniture and Home Furnishings’ sector amounted to 165,366 million euros. By 2022, the market volume is expected to reach EUR 258,714 million, which represents an annual growth of 11.8%. China is the main revenue generator (€62,373 million in 2018). But what are the key drivers of this positive change, and what trends is the sector experiencing?
The drivers of the interior decoration sector in France
There are many reasons for the positive outlook in this segment:
- Real estate supply and consumer purchasing power are on the rise. The unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2018 is the lowest recorded in the eurozone since December 2008. As long as people have the money, there will be consumption.
- There is rapid growth in sales among the millennial clientele. Older millennials are becoming homeowners, rather than renters, for now. They have experienced the explosion of interior design service while growing up and are therefore more likely to hire interior designers to help them furnish their homes. On the other hand, younger millennials are at the beginning of their career and are starting to have more disposable income. In general, millennials prefer to shop online, appreciate authenticity and sustainability and are on-demand shoppers.
- The number of sources of information and inspiration is greater than ever. Home decorating programmes, magazines, social networks… People consume them and are encouraged to refurnish or decorate their homes.
All this has a strong impact on sales in the interior decoration sector in France and in many other markets.
Trends in the interior decoration sector in France
Growth is coming, but not necessarily from traditional distribution channels. Also in the interior decoration sector in France, e-commerce is taking over. Convenience and price convenience are the main reasons for customers favouring one-click shopping. This means that industry leaders continue to invest capital in logistics and home delivery. Consumers who value service and the experience of seeing and touching the product before buying it still exist, but they prefer to use retailers that differentiate themselves and offer added value, such as knowledgeable staff, customer service, etc.
In addition, as customers become more and more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly products are also becoming a key element in home décor. Natural, recycled and organic materials appeal to this group of customers and products such as thermal curtains or FSC certified wood (which means avoiding deforestation) allow for guilt-free shopping.
Individuality and the need to express one’s own style is another visible trend. Customers like to give their furniture an individual touch and therefore options to personalise objects are becoming increasingly popular.
Major trade fairs in the interior decoration sector in France and around the world
The place to keep up to date and analyse the latest trends in the industry are the trade fairs:
- MAISON&OBJET, Paris MOM (7-11 September 2018 and 18-21 January 2019): A great B2B platform to find out about the latest decoration trends and products, interior design solutions and decoration accessories. It takes place twice a year in France.
- ARCHITECT @ WORK – LYON, Architecture and Interior Design Exhibition. ARCHITECT@WORK gives you the opportunity to come into contact with: architects, interior architects, designers, engineering offices, project developers, technical services,
- Light & Building, Premiere showcase, industry meeting place and business forum: Light + Building is the stage for the latest lighting trends and a source of inspiration for building services technology. From 8 to 13 March 2020, Frankfurt am Main is the place where premieres are celebrated and trends are set.
- Imm Cologne, The Imm Cologne is an international furniture trade fair that takes place every year. This mega event is divided into two main themes: a) LivingKitchen and b) LivingInteriors. The LivingKitchen exhibitions take place every odd-numbered year, while LivingInteriors takes place every even-numbered year. In this way, the event is able to tap into the business communities of both the kitchen and other home interiors segments. LivingKitchen will be held from 14 to 20 January 2019 at the Cologne Trade Fair.
- Ambiente, Frankfurt, Germany (8-12 February 2019): Meats of business and creativity in Frankfurt, where you can explore diversity in the areas of eating, giving and living.
- FamaArt, Bologna, Italy (1-3 March 2019): An event showcasing products such as photography, gifts, home decor accessories and more.
- Cafexpo, Yiwu, China (18-20 September 2018): The China Art and Frame Show is the meeting point for professionals in the frame and art industry.
- IMOB, This annual international event highlights modern and avant-garde furniture, modular furniture, classic and neoclassical furniture, seating groups, office furniture, sets for babies, children and teenagers, miscellaneous furniture and accessories. Earlier this year, the event took place at the CNR Expo in Istanbul, Turkey, from 22-27 January 2019.
- Creativa Zaragoza, Spain (4-6 May 2018): This fair is accessible to the public and also takes place in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, Dortmund (Germany) and Metz (France).
- Intergift, Madrid, Spain (12-16 September 2018): Unlike its name, Intergift also focuses on décor and furnishings, textiles, homewares, handicrafts, travel goods and a range of creative ideas for casual and fancy gifts as well as useful objects.
- Salon de la Photo, Paris, France (8-12 November 2018): Whether you are interested in taking photos, printing or digital retouching – you are at the right address.
- Créations Savoir-Faire, Paris, France (28 November – 2 December 2018): An exhibition specialising in crafts and DIY.
- EspritMeuble, Paris, France (1-4 December 2018): Furniture, sofas, living rooms, beds and decorations take centre stage at this fair.
- Bisou Salon Professionnel du Cadeau, Nice, France (12-14 January 2019): In addition to gifts, souvenirs and decoration, you can also find gourmet gifts, personalised jewellery and much more.
At Barcelona Export we are specialists in the export of the interior decoration sector in France. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have a project you would like to start or consolidate.