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The demand for furniture
Demographic,
cultural factors, disposable income and promotion in general affect the
furniture market.
Singapore has a
total population of 3,7 million as at mid – 1997. The resident
population, comprising citizens and permanent residents, stood at 3,1
million. Chinese are the major race (about 77% of the population) and
with a higher per capita income level. Malays represent 14% of the
population and Indians only 7,5% of the population and both groups are
less affluent than the Chinese majority. Other ethnic group accounted
for the remaining 1,5%. Being majority and with more money to spend,
the Chinese form the major consumer group and this shall be taken into
consideration when planning any promotional activity. Chinese tend to
prefer modern design in furniture while Malays and Indians seem to
prefer traditional and classical furniture. The present economic
downturn has made consumer more cautious about spending. Price has
become the single most important factor in the decision process followed
by design. Of the European range of furniture, furniture room
Italy
is the most famous and well known for their innovative design and wide
selection. Copy of Italian furniture or Italian “inspired “ furniture
can now be purchased at a fraction of the authentic version by
Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese manufacturers. Some ranges made
locally and around the region, are giving European exporter a run for
their money as these factories invest in sophisticated machinery and
import raw materials and components from
Europe.
Nobel, Melandas and Cellini are major players in this sector.
In kitchen, this
phenomena is even stronger because many European manufacturers export
semi-finished parts like kitchen cabinets doors and components thus
making easier the assembly of local products with Italian flavour. Major
foreign suppliers of kitchen’s components are
Italy, Germany and
Taiwan. The size of the market is determined by the number of
residential properties and by demographic considerations (new marriages,
disposable income). An increase in the level of income and a wide
influence of multimedia are often associate with a change in the choice
of furniture.
The furniture
industry is an industry where the baseline demand is a given, and this
baseline demand will always be there.
This is the basic
reason why the International Furniture Fair Singapore, and the ASEAN
Furniture Show, has been successfully organised in Singapore by the
Singapore Furniture Industries Council since 1989. There will always be
furniture manufacturers supplying the world's unceasing demand for
furniture.
As testimony of this
fact, the IFFS/AFS 2003 has grown by 22% over 2002, taking up 55,000
square metres of space spread over 5.5 halls. We have more furniture
manufacturers and suppliers participating in this show, than ever
before. Our exhibitors know that despite the current difficult global
economic conditions, there are still many countries with strong demand
for furniture, especially in regions like India, China, Vietnam, North
America, South Africa, and some countries in Europe. Our exhibitors are
participating in our show so that they could fight for a share of the
global demand.
In recent years, the
show has been internationally recognised as Asia's leading furniture
trade fair. This recognition is duly earned as no other furniture trade
show in Asia can boast of having as many countries participating in
their shows, displaying a wide array of quality furniture products from
the world over.
This year, it had 29
countries represented in the show, with 13 national pavilions. It had
the single largest collection of Indonesian, Chinese and Vietnamese
exhibitors, outside of their respective countries. Taiwan and
Philippines had also participated in the show with very significant
presence.
The Singapore
furniture industries have taken up the largest space in the show,
amounting to more than 5,000 square metres. Given the relatively small
base of furniture manufacturers in Singapore, this is a very significant
achievement.
Singapore - A Geographical Overview
Singapore - Forest Resource
Singapore Furniture Industry
The demand for furniture
Furniture Associations And
Controlling Bodies
International Furniture
Centre In Singapore
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