Opening a furniture store franchise may seem like a straightforward path to tap into the thriving market of home decor and interior design. But do you know the full story? Explore furniture franchise options and discover why there may be better choices than a furniture store.
Drawbacks of a Furniture Store Franchise
Growth in residential construction is helping propel the $34.8 billion U.S. home furniture market forward. However, the pandemic outbreak sparked a surge in online furniture sales, and the popularity of ready-to-assemble furniture is impacting traditional furniture retailers, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Despite a promising market, operating a franchise furniture store comes with some drawbacks. High initial investments loom large, with costs encompassing store leasing, inventory stocking, and staffing. You’ll also be competing with other brick-and-mortar stores as well as the expanding online marketplace. Fierce competition may squeeze margins and require a significant marketing budget to stay relevant.
Traditionally, the furniture retail industry is subject to economic fluctuations. Consumer spending on big-ticket items like sofas, bedroom sets, or high-quality kitchen tables can sharply decline during economic downturns, leading to volatile sales and financial instability for store owners. The logistical challenges of delivering large furniture items add another layer of complexity to the mix.
If you explore franchise furniture stores, you’ll realize your options are limited. Many of the big-name brands either only have company-operated stores or offer licensing deals, which differs from a franchise. Most of the franchise options specialize in rent-to-own furniture and might not be a good fit for your market.
A Furniture Franchise Alternative
Creative Colors International (CCI) offers an alternative path in the furniture industry. Our leather and vinyl restoration franchise focuses on repairing and refurbishing existing furniture, tapping into the growing consumer interest in sustainability. At least 78% of customers said a sustainable lifestyle is “important,” and 17% buy products from sustainable brands, according to NielsenIQ. We offer a business model that is adaptable, scalable, and aligned with current market trends.
Let’s explore how our furniture refurbishing business offers a competitive advantage:
- Low initial investment: The initial investment to open a mobile CCI location is $86,980 to $102,410, significantly lower than a furniture retail store.
- Mobile business: We provide on-site repairs and services, enhancing convenience for customers and opening additional revenue streams without the need for a physical storefront. The flexibility of a mobile operation appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a better balance between their professional and personal lives, offering the freedom to manage administrative tasks from a home office.
- Multiple revenue streams: Our business model appeals to individual consumers looking to preserve or update cherished pieces, as well as businesses seeking to maintain their office furnishings. We also service a wide range of markets, including automotive, furniture, marine, and aviation, providing multiple revenue streams and reducing market risk.
- National accounts: We have relationships with national accounts to provide a steady stream of business to our franchisees and support revenue generation, particularly as they get started.
- Training and marketing support: Our comprehensive training program equips franchisees with the skills they need to serve customers. Having an established brand and marketing support helps franchisees quickly gain market presence and attract customers.
- New techniques and products: Franchisees benefit from our investment in research and development, gaining access to the latest repair techniques and products that set them apart from competitors. We make it a priority to use clean, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and biodegradable products for our repairs and dyes.
Own a CCI Franchise
Request franchise information from one of our franchise business consultants to see how you can achieve your goals in the furniture industry with CCI’s mobile brand.
