Matters Furniture (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to get furniture right now? ›

So why is there such a delay on furniture orders currently? The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the delay on furniture orders, but there are several other related factors including increased demand, supply shortages, and import issues.

Timing is key: Hit the store during off-peak times, like weekdays or slower sales seasons. They might be more willing to cut you a deal. Know Your Worth: Research similar couches and their prices. Armed with knowledge, you'll know when the price is fair or when it's time to play hardball.

It provides surfaces for working, eating, resting, and storing items. Without furniture, many basic activities would be uncomfortable or impractical.

The months leading up to spring (January, February, and the first few weeks of March) and those leading up to fall (July, August, and the first few weeks of September) some of the best months to buy furniture for your home.

Habitat ReStores, run by local Habitat for Humanity organizations, are a great resource for low-cost furnishings. They accept donations of furniture and household items and sell them at a fraction of the retail price. Goodwill and Salvation Army stores are another source for inexpensive housewares.

Don't Be Afraid to Haggle

While you probably won't have much luck negotiating furniture prices at chains, independently owned shops are usually more open-minded. Haggling is an art form in its own right, but there are a few tricks anyone can successfully apply to their furniture-shopping experience.

The average distributor markup on consumer products such as furniture is between 20 and 30%. Retailer markups vary greatly depending on the type of goods and the retailer's business style, although they often range between 50 and 100%.

Well-made furniture can sometimes require skilled artisans who take the time to create each piece. Furniture manufacturers pay these craftsmen a premium, increasing the furniture cost.

Probably the single most important piece of furniture in any living room is the sofa. Couches tend to be the largest and most expensive pieces you will buy, and we all know how important it is to have a comfy place to rest our bodies after a long day.

High-end furniture tends to have better design.

Quality pieces, such as sofas and chairs, not only offer superior support and ergonomics for your overall health but also instantly add a little luxe to your space.

Is it still taking a long time to get furniture? ›

In 2022, demand is down for furniture, giving all of the back-ups a chance to catch up, but the impact of the past two years is still slowing down the whole industry. Now rather than waiting over six months for furniture, waits are only three to four months.

While furniture delivery delays have always happened every now and then, COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem. The virus has shut down ports and factories around the world, disrupting the furniture supply chain. With truck drivers in short supply, furniture is piling up at docks and in warehouses across the country.

After furniture and home furnishings sales peaked in January 2023 at almost $13 billion—according to seasonally adjusted U.S. Census Bureau data—the furniture industry has faced a tough economic climate over the past year, with high interest rates and inflation impacting consumer spending on home goods.

If you're looking for top-quality handcrafted furnishings at bargain prices, the concentration of factories, outlet stores and craftspeople make North Carolina (especially around Hickory and High Point) the ultimate furniture shopping destination.