In 2024, e-commerce reached new heights in France, with 41.6 million people making online purchases, 73.3% of the population over 15, according to Fevad. Amid a broader retail boom, the furniture sector has emerged as a key driver of change. Online shoppers completed 62 transactions on average, spending €4,216 annually.
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This growth is underpinned by increasing consumer expectations around sustainability. Fevad reported that 51% of e-buyers purchased second-hand items, while 43% resold goods online, signalling a strong shift towards circular consumption. Additionally, 55% acknowledged improved transparency on product origins and composition, while 25% were more likely to boycott brands failing environmental or social commitments.
Furniture companies, especially, are adapting swiftly. In May, the market experienced slight growth, and second-hand furniture sales reached record levels. Rural buyers also benefit, with 75% finding items online unavailable locally.
Digital innovation remains a cornerstone: by 2025, 82% of e-commerce businesses, including furniture retailers, are leveraging generative AI. Employment in the sector has grown 8%, with 153,000 active platforms and 212,000 related jobs. French sites are also expanding internationally, with 73% now selling abroad.
Fevad projects continued momentum, with a €200 billion turnover expected by 2026, solidifying e-commerce's pivotal role in the furniture industry.
Source: www.meuble-info.fr
