New research shows 2013 outdoor furniture market was worth £975m

The outdoor furniture market in 2013 was worth in the region of £975m, new research by leisure and outdoor furniture association, LOFA, into the market has found.

The figure is "significantly higher" than previous estimates of the market, LOFA said.

The research, carried out by specialist shopper behaviour agency ShopperCentric on LOFA's behalf, found the average amount of time it takes for consumers to complete an outdoor leisure purchase is nine days.

The report shows that the general public still prefer to see and touch garden furniture and barbecues before purchase, although the internet is playing a bigger role in research and final purchase.

Three in ten people now buy online but, significantly online business accounts for 40% of the value. ShopperCentric also identified four distinct consumer categories.

A breakdown of the share of spend by non-online retailer channel types shows DIY stores have 31 per cent of the market, generalist stores 26 per cent, garden centres 13 per cent, supermarkets 11 per cent, department stores nine per cent and other stores 11 per cent.

The study forms a baseline of the market and LOFA plans to update it at regular intervals.

Paul Bevington, LOFA’s Chairman commented: "This report is long overdue, but we now have information that will be invaluable to the whole industry. It is an important source of reference that our members can share with their customers for the benefit of everyone in the trade."

For more information go to www.lofa.com.

Source : Horticulture Week
www.hortweek.com