Marcus Downie, AFA Partnerships and Government Relations
Roy Morgan Research shows $10 pw can add $5.6 billion to the economy and create 10,000 jobs
The Australian Furniture Association has received recent Roy Morgan research showing Australian Consumers increasingly want to buy locally produced products that support Australian businesses. The Australian Furniture Association agrees.
Roy Morgan’s research indicates that 84% of Australians are more likely to buy a product if they know it is locally produced, and express pride and positive emotions when doing so; and that 67% intend buying more Australian made goods in the next 12 months, up from 64% the year prior.
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said Australians are still feeling the pinch, which may influence their purchase choices:
“Cost of living pressures may challenge some people to purchase Australian-made, especially for everyday items. But our research shows if each household spent an extra $10 weekly on Australian-made products, an additional $5.6 billion would be generated and could create almost 10,000 new jobs,” said Levine.
Additionally, 35% of respondents reported purchasing more Australian-made products since the pandemic, 73% would be willing to buy more locally produced products to avoid reliance on imports, and 72% are even willing to pay more for locally produced goods. Tellingly 89% of survey respondents believe more manufacturing should be conducted here in Australia.
These encouraging results show that the furniture industry has an increasing opportunity to compete with imported products, and that producing safe, high quality, fit for purpose locally made furniture has greater appeal. Coupled with the geo-political uncertainty regarding tariffs, and increased pressure on environmental and social governance, local furniture manufacturers are ready to shine.
The Australian Furniture Association are capitalising on these factors through publishing an Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture, the recent introduction of the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council, and the nationally recognised Choose Australia First LOGO available to Australian Furniture Association Members to display proudly. These activities are coupled with advocacy, lobbying activities and interconnectivity with Government.
The Roy Morgan research underscores the importance of Australian-made products in the consumer market and highlights the emotional and economic factors driving this preference. To learn more about how the AFA can support your local business please reach out to us at the AFA at partnerships@theafa.asn.au
*Source:
New research reveals appeal of Aussie Made – Roy Morgan Research