#Japan #Tokyo #Market Trends #Office Busters #Used Furniture

Overview of the Used Office Furniture Market in March 2025

Office Busters, a key player in the used office furniture sector, has published its March 2025 Used Office Furniture Index, showcasing the latest trends and market dynamics. This monthly index is designed to keep businesses and individuals informed about the evolving landscape of office furniture sales, reflecting shifts in demand and pricing.

Market Conditions

February 2025 saw a slight decrease in the vacancy rate in the major five districts, dropping to 3.86%, a reduction of 0.08%. During the same period, rental prices increased by ¥160, leading to an effective job openings-to-applicants ratio of 1.24, showing a minor decline of 0.02 points, while the unemployment rate slightly improved to 2.4%. With March being a peak demand period for the office furniture industry, it is crucial to analyze how global events, especially the impacts of U.S. tariffs, may affect market trends moving forward.

Companies are considering office investments but face uncertainty in practical implementation.

Price Trends of Selected Items

Chairs

The price of chairs has experienced significant growth, increasing by ¥1,540 compared to last month and by ¥189 from the previous year. Sales have surged across all categories, including both high-end and budget-friendly chairs, thanks to the increased demand typical of this season.

Desks

Desk prices rose by ¥542 compared to last month and ¥487 year-on-year. Although the average price remained stable, there was a notable increase in sales volume, particularly for flexible office setups, with a rising interest in work tables.

Storage Solutions

Prices for storage units, particularly lateral and double-door cabinets, saw an average increase of ¥1,435 from the previous month and ¥577 from last year. Demand for low cabinets remains high, with recent inquiries trending toward black-colored units.

Lockers

The price for lockers saw an increase of ¥850 since last month and ¥2,685 compared to the previous year. The rise in sales of personal lockers indicates a sustained demand, particularly for units that accommodate four to eight people.

Tables

In contrast, table prices decreased by ¥2,514 from last month but increased by ¥1,306 since last year. Demand remains robust for large meeting tables and stackable tables, with many inquiries for bulk orders.

Key Insights for March

March represents a peak demand month, and the company has observed high levels of inquiries, consistent with historical trends. This year's focus on Activity Based Working (ABW) has energized the market, leading to increased interest in meeting room sofas and booth setups. Looking ahead, April is also anticipated to maintain demand, extending into May, especially with discussions surrounding needs during the Golden Week holidays.

Research Overview

Research Target: Analysis based on sales data from company-operated stores.
Research Period: March 1-31, 2025.
Conducting Agency: Internal research based on sales data.
Products Analyzed: Chairs, desks, storage units, lockers, and tables.
Research Methodology: Based on operational sales data.

For further inquiries, please contact the Marketing Committee of Office Busters at:
Phone: 03-6262-3155
Operating Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

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About Office Busters

CEO: Masayoshi Kumagai
Head Office: 1-5-3 Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022
Kansai Branch: 2-6-11 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0059
Contact Information: 03-6262-3155 (Tokyo), 06-6258-0231 (Osaka)

Office Busters offers an extensive range of services, from the sale of office furniture and equipment to project management and logistics, along with environmental consulting for unwanted equipment disposal. The company maintains various certifications related to office equipment sales and environmental management, ensuring compliance with industry standards.