Britain’s tightening economy and ‘discount mentality’ is reflected in latest consumer research findings for the National Bed Federation (NBF).
It shows the average price paid for a bed/mattress was 8% lower than the previous report in February (£538 as opposed to £582). Further evidence of a slowdown is indicated by the increased use of discount channels such as Amazon and Ebay (up by 10%) and Argos, Very etc (up by 5%) from the last report.
A twice yearly barometer of consumer spending and buying habits, this October’s report (based on a sample of 500 people who had bought a bed/mattress between March and September 2019), also showed further growth of the roll up mattress sector, up from 23% to 26% of all sales since February. Sales of flat mattresses were conversely down from 33% to 31%.
Generational differences are also clear in the report. Comfort was the most important factor for the over 55s – 76% compared to just 56% of the under 35s who rely heavily (24%) on recommendations from friends and relatives. Just 5% of the over 55s buy on recommendation.
Pocket spring mattresses were the most popular choice for older buyers (52% of over 55s) while the under 35s were more likely to buy foam or latex (41%).
Said NBF marketing and membership manager Simon Williams: “Although there are marked differences between the older and younger generations the evidence would suggest that, overall, everyone is ‘trading down’ and tightening their belts in the face of the current economic uncertainty.”
There was no real change in the split of online, instore and phone purchases and direct sales from new ‘mattress tech’ companies also remained fairly static at just 5% of the total.
In terms of nationals v independents, national bed specialists attracted 9% of the under 35s, 17% of 35 – 53-year-olds and 18% of over 55s. On a regional basis, local independent stores fared better in the North of England than the rest of the country, accounting for 14% or purchases compared to the national average of just 8%.
Findings of the 10th consumer report, carried out by DJS Research on behalf of the NBF, are available in full to NBF members.
