Hungarians don’t replace their furniture – JYSK research reveals a conscious, long-term planning market

The research commissioned by JYSK examined Hungarian furniture purchasing and home furnishing habits at the end of last year. Nearly 1,500 people were interviewed during the survey, the sample being nationally representative of the population over the age of 16. According to the survey, two-thirds of Hungarians (66%) consider themselves to be conscious buyers when buying furniture, while impulse buying is not typical for eight out of ten consumers. This awareness is also clearly visible in the different price categories: while 22% of those surveyed consider themselves to be impulse buyers for lower-value products, this proportion is only 10% for more expensive furniture.

Long life cycle, rare replacement

The research also clearly shows that Hungarian households plan for the long term. Nearly half of buyers use higher-value furniture – such as sofas, tables, cabinets – for longer than six years. The most common reason for replacement is far from boredom or a change in trend: three-quarters of respondents (75%) only buy new furniture when the old one is worn out. Only 7% replace furniture because they are bored, and the same number decide to do so due to promotions or discounts, while only 5% change furniture because they are moving.

Furniture shopping remains a personal experience

Despite the rise of online channels, furniture shopping is still a highly personal experience in Hungary. Nearly 70% of respondents prefer to shop in person and only 7% prefer online channels exclusively. Personal presence is especially decisive for higher-value furniture: 75% of buyers in this category most often buy in a specialist store, while 72% choose this sales channel for lower-value products.

The market is clearly specialist store-centric: whether it is about lower- or higher-value furniture, the vast majority of buyers make their final decision in furniture and home decoration specialist stores. According to the research, personal presence is not just a matter of habit: it is important for buyers to see the furniture in person, try it out, and if necessary, receive expert help with their choice.

Generation differences, but common core values

Although the younger generation is more open to online information and makes decisions faster, conscious shopping is present in all age groups. The proportion of long planning periods is particularly high among those over 50: more than half of buyers in this group (51–57%) think weeks or months ahead. As age increases, the proportion of impulse purchases decreases dramatically, which further reinforces the conservative, considered nature of the market.

Stable market, predictable decisions

According to the overall picture of the research, the Hungarian furniture purchasing market is not about fast trends and impulses, but about conscious decisions, long usage time and personal shopping experience. When choosing higher-value furniture, buyers are particularly well informed: many make their final decision based on online searches, specialist store advice and professional articles.

Buyers are price-sensitive, but they do not decide solely on the basis of price: quality, functionality and aesthetics remain decisive aspects. The results of JYSK’s survey therefore paint a picture of a market that is built on stable foundations and where customer decisions are based on consistent, long-term thinking.