The Furniture Industry's Generous Response to the Challenges of Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on societies all across the world. ANIEME – The Spanish National Association of Furniture Industrialists and Exporters – and FAMO – The Association of Spanish Manufactures of Office and Contract Furniture and Equipment – share the dire effects the coronavirus crisis is having on their industry.

A lack of orders, businesses shutting down, furloughed workers and complaints about the situation are the new normal for furniture businesses. In contrast, beyond the negative headlines many businesses belonging to both associations are putting their energy into lending a hand.

A pair of furniture companies have joined forces - despite their struggles and lack of income - to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of the difficulty of acquiring materials, the transport issues and the paralysis of the national and export markets, charitable initiatives have continued to emerge.

For example, ANIEME highlights the work of more than 40 manufacturers of upholstered furniture in Yecla (Murcia) who have adapted their production lines to manufacture thousands of masks and hospital gowns. This project, led byFama Sofás, has been taken up by other businesses such as Acomodel, Gomarco, Tecni Nova, Beltá & Frajumar and Dormitienda (Dupen), who have produced more than 1,000 mattresses and 1,000 protective shields for the Valencian health authorities.

Likewise, other large companies such as Andreu World and Point have joined the sector in their collective efforts, generously supporting their local communities by producing  masks and hospital gowns.  For their part, FAMO lists other companies such as Grupo Forma5 and Actiu who have also contributed by providing medical equipment and PPE, to be used in healthcare settings, pharmacies, public areas and private residences.

Future and opportunities

Nonetheless, this surge of goodwill may not be enough for some of these companies. ANIEME explains that the worst part of the crisis will be the challenge of keeping businesses afloat, especially for SMEs who "survive on orders" and have barely any financial cushion. FAMO points out that if the situation fails to resolve itself shortly, the negative consequences for their market "will be permanent" for most companies.

In order to attempt to mitigate these negative outcomes, both associations have offered their resources to businesses. ANIEME, for example, are conducting webinars to help educate companies about the business models of the future, focusing on online sales and digital marketing.

FAMO is working on maintaining close contact with its member companies, communicating information about the latest legislation and potential sources of funding and answering queries of all kinds. The association has stated that its board of directors is working on a post-crisis action plan to assess opportunities for businesses and offer support to ensure their survival.

The future may also mean reinvention, investing more in design and product development, working via new channels and with other countries and markets, strengthening sales strategies to more closely meet the needs of customers and adjusting to a new schedule of exhibition fairs. To this end, the furniture industry is looking towards September 2020 and the Valencia Habitat Fair, which may be the sector's only international showcase of the year. "We're heading into an unknown world, one which will be completely different from before, but that doesn't mean it has to be worse. The major issue is the uncertainty and fear when it comes to decision making", explains Amparo Bertomeu, director of ANIEME. Regarding the future of the industry, FAMO President Rubén Hernandez adds: "We believe that the trend will inevitably continue to be towards human design and constantly seeking healthy solutions which respect the environment."