#Japan #Tokyo #Office Busters #Used Furniture #Furniture Index

Overview of Office Busters' May 2025 Index

In May 2025, Office Busters, a company specializing in used office furniture, unveiled its latest index shedding light on market trends and dynamics. The report, which encompasses data gathered from various selling points, focuses on shifts in consumer behavior and item demand, providing valuable insights for businesses and individuals alike.

Market Dynamics

In May, the vacancy rate in Tokyo's main districts fell to 3.56%, a decrease of 0.17% compared to the previous month. This decline in vacancies led to a rent increase, as prices rose by ¥21. Additionally, the effective job-to-application ratio improved slightly to 1.26, reflecting a stable unemployment rate of 2.5%. As firms consider relocation, many express frustrations over the lack of available properties, signaling a cautious attitude toward office moves driven by external economic factors.

Product Market Trends

The trends observed in furniture sales in May indicate a marked preference for certain product categories:

• - Chairs: The average sales price for chairs increased by ¥293 from last month but decreased by ¥1,151 compared to last year. There was a noticeable uptick in the sales of more affordable chairs priced between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000. Moreover, recent consumer interest has shifted towards pastel tones in office-related colors.

• - Desks: The average sales price for desks saw a decline of ¥512 from the previous month but had an annual increase of ¥72. The demand for free-address desks remains high, and there’s a growing interest in work tables that allow for rapid layout adjustments.

• - Bookcases: Sales prices fell by ¥761 from the last month and by ¥2,190 from the previous year. Despite the price drop, demand remains robust across all forms, particularly as the cost of new models is high.

• - Lockers: There was a slight decline in locker prices, down by ¥130 from last month and ¥1,690 from last year. However, inquiries for bulk purchases of both changing and personal lockers saw a significant increase.

• - Tables: Table prices increased by ¥873 compared to last month, although there was a decrease of ¥1,556 year-over-year. Sales of stack tables bundled with conference chairs have risen, owing to an increase in their use for training purposes, which has fueled more inquiries.

May Observations

Overall, May presented a relatively stable period for office furniture sales. While there were numerous inquiries, there was a noticeable inclination towards bulk purchases rather than new openings. The long holiday period during Golden Week likely contributed to an increase in individual inquiries regarding chairs, further emphasizing the market's responsiveness to changing consumer needs.

Survey Overview

The index compiled by Office Busters covers data from May 1 to May 31, 2025, obtained through an internal study using proprietary sales data. It encompasses a range of office furniture categories including chairs, desks, bookcases, lockers, and tables, allowing for a comprehensive view of the current market landscape.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, reach out to Office Busters:

• - Marketing Committee Contact: Muroya
• - Phone: 03-6262-3155 (Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Company Overview

Office Busters is committed to providing a wide array of office-related products and services, including multifunction printers, office design and project management, and environmental consulting for asset disposal. The company, led by CEO Masayoshi Kumagai, operates mainly in Tokyo and Osaka, and has a strong presence in the office furniture sector.