Why IKEAs and Urban Ladders could not replace the friendly neighbourhood carpenter

IKEA, Urban Ladder, PepperFry—these names are like the Starbucks and KFCs of the furniture world. We’ve all heard of them, and chances are, many of us have a piece or two from these giants in our homes. But it wasn’t always this way. Before 2015, they were like hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. Fast forward to today, and they dominate the urban landscape of our nation.

Yet, amidst the glossy catalogues and easy online shopping, a question lingers: Are these furniture giants as effective and impressive as our friendly neighbourhood carpenters? You know, someone like Magan, who has been crafting furniture with love and precision for years? Ever thought why despite the gloss and shine, the likes of IKEA and PepperFry couldn’t actually push them out?

Welcome on board, and join as we explore why, despite the global allure of these retail behemoths, your local Magan is still thriving with his “bijnes” (business, for the uninitiated). So, grab your favourite chair, maybe a cup of chai, and let’s uncover the secrets behind the enduring charm of our neighbourhood carpenters.

Why PepperFry and IKEA are attracted towards India?

India, apart from being a hotbed for global investments, is also where the furniture scene is flourishing like never before. You see, it’s not just about the spicy curries and vibrant festivals; it’s also about creating beautiful spaces to enjoy them.

In 2022, the Indian furniture market was valued at a whopping $20 billion, and here’s the kicker – luxury furniture claims a sweet spot of around 15-20 percent of that, according to Sunil Suresh, the brains behind Stanley Lifestyles Ltd. According to him, “About 60-70 percent of the furniture market is still rocking the unorganized look, but it’s dressing up for the organized sector at breakneck speed.”

Now, you might wonder, what makes India such a tempting market for the furniture sector? Experts reckon the furniture and home decor industry in India could be anywhere from $20 billion to $30 billion in size, and guess what? It’s mostly unorganized. Yeah, you heard that right. Think of it as a treasure hunt where the treasure chest is the Indian home decor market, and it’s filled to the brim.

Also read: The Billion-Dollar Fragrance: India’s robust dhoop and agarbatti market

But here’s where it gets really interesting. You know those big players with brick-and-mortar stores like Godrej Interio, Home Town, and Home Center? They, along with the online champs like Pepperfry and Urban Ladder, make up less than 5 percent of the whole market share. So the so called furniture bigwigs are fighting for a spoonful of a huge cake, worth 20 – 30 billion dollars!

That means there’s a mammoth untamed beast of opportunity prowling in the unorganized territory, ready to make the jump into the organized world. According to Ankur Bisen, senior vice president at management consulting firm Technopak Advisors, this transition is the real deal – an exciting chance to bring order to the chaos of the Indian furniture market. So, if you’re in the business of chairs, tables, and all things comfy, India’s where the action’s at.

Why could IKEA and Urban Ladder not replace the friendly neighbourhood carpenter?

IKEA and Urban Ladder are well-known furniture retail companies that offer a wide range of stylish and affordable furniture options. While they have gained popularity in India and offer many benefits, they still cannot fully replace the friendly neighbourhood carpenter in most Indian households. Here are several reasons why:

Customization and Personalization:

Indian households often have unique design requirements and space constraints that require customized furniture solutions. Local carpenters can tailor furniture to fit specific dimensions, match existing decor, or incorporate intricate designs. IKEA and Urban Ladder typically offer pre-designed, standardized furniture that may not meet these specific needs.

Traditional and Ethnic Designs:

Indian homes often feature traditional and ethnic furniture designs that are not readily available in the catalogues of global furniture retailers like IKEA and Urban Ladder. Carpentry artisans can recreate these traditional styles, preserving the cultural heritage of furniture making.

Repair and Maintenance:

Carpentry artisans are not only responsible for building furniture but also for its maintenance and repair. They can extend the lifespan of existing furniture by fixing it when it breaks or wears out. IKEA and Urban Ladder may offer warranties, but the convenience of having a local carpenter on call is unparalleled.

Local Sourcing and Sustainability:

Many Indian households value locally sourced materials and sustainable practices. Neighbourhood carpenters often use locally available wood and eco-friendly finishes, aligning with these values. Global retailers like IKEA may not prioritize these aspects as strongly.

Also read: 10 Indian Entrepreneurs whose fall was as steep as their rise

Trust and Personal Relationships:

Indian households often have long-standing relationships with their local carpenters, built on trust and understanding of individual preferences. These relationships go beyond just buying furniture; carpenters become part of the household, offering advice and solutions for various woodworking needs. You can’t expect the same with IKEA or PepperFry, do you?

Cost and Affordability:

While IKEA and Urban Ladder offer competitive prices, local carpenters can sometimes provide more cost-effective solutions, especially for budget-conscious households. Consider a sofa that you would normally get for Rs. 30000 to Rs. 40000. If the local carpenter knows the material, and the tactics, you can get the same creation in almost half the price. Carpentry artisans often have the flexibility to work within a customer’s budget and find creative ways to save on costs.

Accessibility and Convenience:

Not all Indian towns have easy access to IKEA or Urban Ladder showrooms. Local carpenters are usually more accessible, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, making it convenient for residents to get their furniture needs met without traveling long distances.

While IKEA and Urban Ladder have undoubtedly impacted the Indian furniture market by offering modern, ready-made options, the friendly neighbourhood carpenter still holds a special place in most Indian households due to their ability to provide personalized, culturally appropriate, and sustainable solutions while fostering trusted relationships within the community. These qualities make it challenging for global retailers to completely replace them in the hearts and homes of many Indian consumers.