Threats in the furniture industry today

Interviewer: Good morning, Phil and Daniel. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the current furniture industry in Australia. As co-founders of Future Classics Furniture, you have extensive experience in the field. Let's start by talking about the challenges and potential threats that consumers face, particularly when it comes to online furniture retailers. Could you elaborate on this issue?

Phil: Absolutely. One of the major concerns for consumers today is the prevalence of deceptive online furniture retailers. It has become quite easy for these retailers to create impressive websites using images from well-known brands like Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, B&B Italia, Natuzzi, Flexform and others. They rely on these attractive websites and images of furniture to lure in customers. However, the question arises as to whether these retailers actually deliver what they promise.

Daniel: That's right. Many of these so-called furniture retailers may not have a physical store or carry genuine products in stock. They often deceive customers with fake images, reviews, and other misleading tactics. Unfortunately, people are convinced by what they see online, only to be disappointed when they visit the actual furniture store, if they even have one. It's a trap that customers fall into, paying for goods they may never see or receiving substandard products.

Interviewer: That's indeed a concerning situation. How does Future Classics Furniture differentiate itself from these deceptive practices? What sets you apart in the industry?

Phil: Great question. Firstly, our experience speaks volumes. We have been in the furniture industry for over 37 years and have established a solid reputation. We have operated retail stores under different brands in various parts of the world. Future Classics Furniture is a well-established business in Australia, serving thousands of satisfied customers.

Daniel: In addition to our experience, we have a physical showroom in Sydney that lives up to people's expectations. Our showroom is spacious and carries a wide range of furniture items. As of now, we have over 70 assorted sofas and chairs on display in our Beaconsfield showroom. It's not a joke or an exaggeration. We believe that our showroom reflects the quality and comfort that our website portrays. That's the significant difference.

Interviewer: That sounds impressive. So, by having a physical furniture showroom, you provide customers with the opportunity to see, touch, and feel the furniture before making a purchase. Is that correct?

Phil: Absolutely. We firmly believe in giving our customers a hands-on experience with our products. Our showroom is open 7 days a week, and we welcome everyone to visit and explore our furniture. It allows them to have confidence in the quality and design of the furniture items they are considering buying. We want to ensure that our customers' expectations are met or even exceeded.

Daniel: And let's not forget about legitimate customer reviews. We encourage potential buyers to look into our Google reviews, which reflect the experiences of our satisfied customers. It's essential for consumers to do their due diligence and ask the right questions before making a purchase, such as how long the furniture store has been in business and whether they have a genuine bricks-and-mortar presence, and what they show on the webiste, is it real?

Interviewer: Thank you, Phil and Daniel, for shedding light on the challenges faced by consumers in the furniture industry and explaining how Future Classics Furniture stands out with its showroom and reputation. It's clear that you prioritize transparency and strive to provide a trustworthy experience for your customers.