Whether smartphone, washing machine or bookshelf: Germany is one of the markets in which furniture and household appliances are replaced most frequently. As an interface between private end consumers and producers, the furniture and electrical appliance retail sector is a key player in making more conscious purchasing decisions.

The industry is driving sustainability forward by including manufacturers of sustainable products in its range and actively promoting the eco-fair benefits. Be it the energy efficiency label, the CO2 footprint of the product or digital product passports with environmental information via QR code: transparently providing consumers with sustainability information about the product is an important market lever for transformation. On the interior design and electronics markets, the refurbishment and general overhaul of used items and devices plays an important transformational role as a sustainable service. The industry is also making a contribution to the transformation towards more “use rather than ownership” with offers for the temporary furnishing and equipment of apartments and offices on a rental basis.

Showrooms with photovoltaic systems on the roof, electric charging stations in the customer parking lot or electric vehicles in the fleet for deliveries contribute to the company’s sustainability. Digitalization, regionality and qualified advice are further driving forces. There are still problems in the supply chain and with the manufacturers: be it the working conditions in the globalized supply chain in consumer electronics or non-transparent sources of materials such as the wood used in furniture. Here it is important for retailers to more clearly select manufacturers who are aligned with sustainability standards and not to list supposedly cheap suppliers without transparency.

The industry includes, for example, retail sales of consumer electronics devices, ICT technology, household appliances, furniture and furnishings.