Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2020 52 I don't care if you're shopping for shoes, choosing a hairstyle, picking out your clothes, or, oh yes, buying furniture – the current trends and styles matter. So the next time you're in your store, stop at the front door and just look around. Does your store represent the year 2020? From the lights and flooring to the product mix and, most important, the consumer experience, how do you measure up? If you're ready to start the new year off with a new look, here are four trends I think will majorly impact the furniture shopping experience in 2020. • Trend #1 – Product Did you know that multi-functional furniture is one of the major product trends consumers will be looking for in 2020? Whether driven by economics or the minimalist movement, smaller home and apartment rentals are becoming more popular. But these smaller spaces have less room for furniture, which is why multi-functional pieces that help save space – such as beds with drawer storage or dressers with attached TV wall mount capabilities – will be must-haves in 2020. • Trend #2 – Working from home With today's communication advancements, working remotely is increasingly common. I live in Mississippi – believe it or not, we do have internet here, so working out of my house isn't an issue. That said, having an updated, fully functional home office is very important to me and to the tens of millions of people who now work from their homes. The home office category is destined to have a major impact on the furniture industry in 2020. Manufacturers and designers are extremely excited about creating unique furniture for home offices of all sizes, which means it'll be critical to incorporate the home office into your showroom this year. • Trend #3 – Color Are you keeping up with the color trends in America? If not, you're missing a key element when it comes to merchandising your showroom. The furniture and fashion industries go hand in hand, and the color of a room greatly influences a consumer's imagination when they start the buying process. Staying on top of something as simple as color trends will help you design a showroom that sparks that imagination. So, what's "the" color for 2020? According to Sherwin-Williams, it's "Naval" – a rich navy blue. Better get painting! • Trend #4 – Innovation & Technology Innovation is another major trend as we move into 2020, and furniture and bedding manufacturers are working hard to bring new technology to market. I've seen everything from a voice-activated sofa to an adjustable base with fans built in so a consumer can sleep cooler at night. Bottom line, displaying the latest in furniture technology in your showroom is a must in 2020. Especially when it comes to everyone's favorite addiction – the dreaded smartphone. Everyone has one and they all need to be charged. If you aren't purchasing products that have smartphone charging stations built in, you are missing sales. From the back of nightstands to consoles in the sectional, I would not buy a piece of furniture in 2020 without this addition. Remember, trends are just that – trendy. Some may be around for the long haul, but others will be gone next year. Make sure you take the time to do your research, then jump on the opportunities that look hot and exciting – because a few small changes can make a big impact. See you on the show floor! FOUR TRENDS TO WATCH IN THE FURNITURE SHOWROOM Jeff Rose Furniture Trends Jeff Rose Director of Furniture and Bedding, Nationwide Marketing Group RO

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