#USA #St. Petersburg #Hybrid Shopping #Furniture Trends #3D Visualization

Hybrid Furniture Shopping: The New Normal

In a groundbreaking study conducted by 3D Cloud in collaboration with Provoke Insights, the evolving dynamics of furniture shopping have been brought to light. As of March 2025, hybrid shopping has emerged as the predominant approach for consumers purchasing furniture. This trend illustrates a significant shift in customer preferences, with an increasing number of shoppers opting for a combination of online and in-store interactions.

The Rise of Online Shopping

The report highlights a remarkable surge in online-only shopping, with an impressive growth rate of 26%. This increase is particularly pronounced among younger demographic groups, especially millennials, where a staggering 62% engage in both online and in-store shopping. With the convenience of online platforms and the ability to compare prices and styles easily, consumers are gravitating towards digital experiences over traditional shopping methods.

Despite the focus on online shopping, traditional in-store visits are not entirely fading away. Shoppers over 50 still value the tactile experience of visiting physical stores. However, in-store shopping is facing a gradual decline due to the strong allure of the digital realm, which provides instant access to vast options and price comparisons.

Hybrid Experience: The Best of Both Worlds

The study found that 45% of furniture shoppers actively engage with both digital and in-store channels, underlining the necessity for retailers to create a seamless omnichannel experience. Hybrid shopping, where consumers utilize both online resources and physical store visits, proves to be the most effective model.

Interestingly, the incorporation of 3D technology into the shopping experience has been a game-changer. A significant 75% of shoppers express a desire to utilize 3D visualization tools when shopping for furniture. This demand for accurate representations of products has led to an increase in loyalty towards retailers that offer such features.

Retailers that adopt advanced 3D visualization are likely to capture more customers by enhancing their shopping experience significantly. As Carly Fink, President and Head of Research at Provoke Insights, states, "Consumers crave the best of both worlds—the convenience of online shopping paired with the tactile assurance of in-store experiences."

The Role of AI and Technology

The report also emphasizes the necessity of integrating AI-driven tools to boost visualization and decision-making in the furniture industry. Both retailers and consumers are increasingly looking for AI solutions that offer practical benefits in the shopping process. 3D Cloud's CEO, Beck Besecker, points out that embracing a hybrid model combined with state-of-the-art technology is crucial for retailers aiming to stay relevant in the competitive landscape.

The future of furniture shopping rests on the shoulders of innovation. As the study underlines, retailers willing to invest in intuitive technology will pave the way for success in the increasingly digital-oriented marketplace.

Key Findings

Some of the crucial insights from the 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study include:

• - 45% of shoppers prefer a combination of online and in-store purchasing.
• - A notable 26% increase in online-only shopping.
• - 46% of consumers visited retailers' websites prior to making in-store purchases.
• - An impressive 58% of shoppers seek enhanced guidance when visualizing furniture in-store.
• - 86% of consumers are satisfied with either traditional photos or 3D images as long as they accurately represent the products.

As hybrid shopping continues to rise, retailers must adapt quickly and strategically to meet the changing needs of consumers. The integration of technology, particularly in the form of 3D visualization, could be the crucial factor that differentiates successful businesses in the furniture market moving forward.

For further insight, the 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study is available for download at 3D Cloud's official site.