The New Customer Journey: Adapting Sales to Changing Consumer Habits
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just disrupt daily life – it transformed the way we shop, especially for personalized and custom products. For businesses in custom furniture, cabinetry, and home decor, understanding these shifts is the key to staying competitive in this new era.
Shopping Reimagined
One of the biggest changes is the skyrocketing popularity of online shopping, even for items that were once considered “in-person purchases.” Advanced tools like 3D configurators and Augmented Reality are making it easier than ever for customers to envision custom designs right from their devices. The convenience of these technologies, coupled with habits developed during lockdowns, has led to a sharp decline in visits to physical showrooms and workshops.
The Rise of Personalization and Speed
Today’s consumers demand more than just products – they want experiences. They’re prioritizing personalization and seamless online research over traditional shopping methods. Shoppers crave unique pieces that speak to their individuality, delivered through an effortless buying journey.
For manufacturers, this means investing heavily in digital infrastructure. E-commerce capabilities and interactive online tools aren’t just “nice-to-haves” anymore – they’re essential. Businesses that fail to embrace online sales risk being left behind in a world where convenience is king.
Opportunities for Manufacturers
Brands that adopt a digital-first approach can tap into a vast audience of tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z buyers. By offering the personalized, fast, and digital shopping experiences these customers expect, manufacturers can turn challenges into opportunities.
The buying journey has changed forever, and only those who innovate to meet new expectations will thrive. The message is clear: adapt to survive and grow.
Start selling your custom products online today with Formify—the tools to revolutionize your sales are at your fingertips.