Empirical Study on Indian Bamboo Furniture Industry and the Urban Furniture Consumers Perception.

Abstract

The global change in climate and sustainability has illuminated the use of many ecofriendly substitutes including  bamboo which is also stand as a viable replacement of wood in future. Furniture, which has been from upscale, luxury to necessities has modulated bamboo to satisfy the consumer’s demand. In the last two decades, this versatile material is gaining popularity in the furniture markets worldwide. Countries like China, Indonesia has been aggressively promoting their bamboo furniture around the globe and gaining a large market share. However, India has not been able to tap into this market despite being the second largest bamboo producer in the world. The objective of the study is to analyze the reasons of why bamboo furniture has not been able to gain acceptance in the Indian furniture market. A survey study has been carried with sample size of 155 respondents which include end users/ buyers, architects and designers. The study focuses on the Indian consumers who hold highest stake in revenue generation and current industry value preposition. The analysis highlights consumer’s narrow mind-set towards bamboo furniture, inadequate training facility, inappropriate knowledge about ergonomics, lack of innovative design and deficiency in trade and promotion. This study will give bamboo furniture manufacturer, retailers, researchers and students an idea about the consumer’s expectations from bamboo furniture and the gap of design which affects the acceptability. In conclusion, by promoting bamboo as a sustainable alternative to wood for a furniture crafting, we can revolutionize our upcoming furniture industry and can add an innovative step towards sustainability.