BEDROOM FURNITURE INSULATED FROM ONLINE COMPETITON

Written on the 31 July 2013 by Bedshed

The bulky goods sector remains largely protected from online competition, with IBIS World data revealing online bedroom furniture sales make up just a fraction of total online shopping in Australia according to Bedshed’s Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Culmsee.

“There’s a lot of talk about how ecommerce is affecting physical retail, but Bedshed is well insulated,” said Mr Culmsee.

“IBIS World data shows that of the $10.9 billion Australians spent online in the past year, just one per cent is being spent on bedroom furniture. This equates to roughly four per cent of total bedroom furniture sales in Australia.”

“Consumers have fallen in love with online shopping, but buying a bed is a real investment. We spend about a third of our lives in bed, it’s an essential purchase and people want to get it right. That’s why they come into our stores, try out lots of different beds and speak to an expert,” he said.

“We think this, coupled with the challenges associated with exchanging or returning products, explains why consumers prefer to buy their bedroom furniture in bricks and mortar stores.”

Mr Culmsee said there are mattresses for all manner of sleep matters, from partner disturbance and back problems to improvement in health and wellbeing.

“We help our customers to get a better night’s sleep,” he said.

Bedshed’s franchisees are also sleeping soundly, particularly if their balance sheets are anything to go by.

Recent independent research shows Bedshed franchisees are overwhelmingly content with their business’ balance sheets, rating the satisfaction of their financial performance higher than more than 80 per cent of the franchise sector.

“It’s great when your team of small businesses owners are finding their franchises are exceeding their own expectations,” said Mr Culmsee.

Bedshed, with a strong track record spanning more than three decades, is actively looking for new sites and franchisees to join its growing network of stores on the eastern seaboard.

About Bedshed:
Bedshed is one of Australia’s largest specialist bedding and bedroom furniture franchises with a network of more than 30 stores across the country. Bedshed has grown steadily since it started in Western Australia in 1980 and is currently expanding on the eastern seaboard.