Bed retailing is still good business, despite the growth of online shopping in Australia. That’s the view of Gavin Culmsee, Bedshed’s chief operating officer who says the sector is largely protected from online competition as IBIS World data reveals online bedroom furniture sales make up just a fraction of total online shopping in Australia.

“There’s a lot of talk about how ecommerce is affecting physical retail, but Bedshed is well insulated,” said Culmsee.

“IBIS World data shows that of the $10.9 billion Australians spent online in the past year, just one percent is being spent on bedroom furniture. This equates to roughly four percent of total bedroom furniture sales in Australia.

“Consumers have fallen in love with online shopping, but buying a bed is a real investment. We spend about a third of our lives in bed, it’s an essential purchase and people want to get it right. That’s why they come into our stores, try out lots of different beds and speak to an expert,” he said.

“We think this, coupled with the challenges associated with exchanging or returning products, explains why consumers prefer to buy their bedroom furniture in bricks and mortar stores.”

Recent independent research shows Bedshed franchisees are overwhelmingly content with their business’ balance sheets, rating the satisfaction of their financial performance higher than more than 80 per cent of the franchise sector.

“It’s great when your team of small businesses owners are finding their franchises are exceeding their own expectations,” said Culmsee.

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