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FURNITURE & DECORATIONS
The impact of cheap imports
The past 12 months have been a difficult
time for the industry, according to Direc-
tor of Lifetime Industries, Stephen Pop-
plewell. With a number of international
companies offering cheap imports, it has
been particularly important for Lifetime
Industries to focus on product quality
and after sales service.
“Sales of furniture are down. Rental
companies seem to be purchasing cheap
imported products from other suppliers,”
Mr Popplewell said.
In a digital age where buyers expect
rapid production and delivery times, it
has been important for the company to
be as prepared as possible for purchases
and to ensure purchases are worthwhile
for its customers. To do this, Mr Pop-
plewell said that Lifetime Industries
aims to supply quality products that
last while also offering spare parts and
repairs. The company also keeps stock
of all its products to ensure that sup-
ply is as immediate as possible. He is
concerned about a slowing of business
for local manufacturers and said there
has been a noticeable decrease in sales,
with many buyers looking at initial cost
over quality or long term affordability.
“It is slowing down for us. There are
many suppliers of cheap, imported, com-
peting products that are not of the same
quality – but that seems to be what the
market wants,” he said.
In a competitive market, Mr Pop-
plewell said that there are still new play-
ers entering the industry. In his experi-
ence, many of these newer manufacturers
are also concerned with low costs and
fast production. The same is true for new
buyers and rental companies entering the
market and looking to buy furniture.
“There are some new players – they
import everything and their products
won’t last long. Products are often
replaced within a year of purchase,”
he said.
The difficulty for companies such as
Lifetime Industries is that they are left
Affordability and fast
production drive market
While the events industry is booming, some hold concern that local
manufacturing of commercial furniture is at risk of being pushed out
by cheap imports from overseas. Affordability, design and quality are
proving to be more important than ever.
Events & Equipment
recently
spoke with a number of furniture manufacturers about trends, challenges
and the state of the industry in Australia and New Zealand.
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EVENTS & EQUIPMENT
| WINTER 2017