High-End Interior Demand... Department Stores See 28% Increase in Imported Furniture Sales

Lotte Department Store's Furniture Sales Up 13% from January to November
Imported Furniture Brand Sales Increase 28%
Lounge Chairs, Cabinets, and Lighting 'Popular'

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As more people stay home, premium living products at Lotte Department Store are gaining attention. In particular, demand for lounge chairs, cabinets, and lighting that can add a focal point to the living room, where most time is spent at home, has significantly increased.

On the 27th, Lotte Department Store analyzed sales of furniture products from January to November and found that overall sales grew by 13% compared to the previous year. Imported furniture brands such as 'Fritz Hansen', 'Kartell', and 'Natuzzi' grew by more than 28%. Among them, the modular furniture brand 'USM', which allows customers to customize various furniture like dressers and TV stands in desired colors and sizes, and the American modern furniture brand 'Herman Miller', popular for its lounge chairs, have become favored brands among younger generations, with sales in the last three months nearly tripling compared to the previous year.

With increased demand for year-end gifts, lighting products that can enhance living room interiors along with premium chairs recorded significant sales in December. At the Gangnam branch's 'The Conran Shop', lighting sales from December 1 to 23 were more than 50% higher than the average sales from January to November. Popular products include 'Lumio Lighting' Conran exclusive items and 'Lexon Lighting', which are great for adding points on tables.

Jung Hye-kyung, furniture product planner (buyer) at Lotte Department Store, said, "This year, due to social distancing, people spent more time at home, leading many customers to replace existing furniture to change the indoor atmosphere. Reflecting customer needs, we plan to continuously introduce new imported furniture brands in 2021."

Meanwhile, Lotte Department Store's main branch is offering a 5% discount on all products from the Danish lighting brand 'Louis Poulsen', known for its luxurious design and practicality, until January 31 next year. Representative items include table lamps priced at 1.91 million KRW and pendant lamps at 1.31 million KRW.