Stationary Upholstery Retail Venues and Price Points

Published: March, 03 2008

By Thomas A. Prais

Though retail-branded stores got the largest share of shoppers in most surveyed furniture categories, local single-store retailers and boutiques were the number one stop for stationary upholstery shoppers, who also are significantly less likely to seek specific brands when they shop for furniture. However, the biggest spenders made their purchase at department stores. The average amount spent on stationary upholstery, overall, was $1,450.

Stationary upholstery ticket prices have remained fairly static since The Retail Experience started conducting surveys in 2004. While the average amount spent spiked to $1,725 in 2005, survey respondents spent $1,454 in 2004 and $1,471 in 2006.

The amount spent on stationary upholstery remained fairly steady regardless of whether survey respondents had chosen contemporary, traditional or transitional. The notable exception was the 2 percent of consumers who bought Craftsman-style stationary upholstery, who spent an average of $933.

Respondents who listed quality as a top-three purchase consideration spent an average of $1,909 on their purchase. While shoppers in this category were less likely than most survey participants to seek out specific brands, those who did list brand as a top purchase driver spent an average $1,764 on their purchase. Other top-three considerations yielded the following average amounts spent—style/design: $1,635; comfort: $1,566; helpful salesperson: $1,416; and value: $1,036.