THE BENGALURU FURNITURE MARKET HAS MOVED BEYOND CLUSTERS -Mr Harsha Raman, Cherry Pick, Bengaluru

FDT Bureau

Bengaluru, a city renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and dynamic growth, is experiencing a transformation in its retail landscape, particularly within the luxury furniture sector. Leading this change is Cherry Pick India, a luxury furniture showroom with over 15 years of expertise in the imported furniture business. Addressing diverse home furnishing needs, Cherry Pick offers an exquisite selection of luxury furniture for living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, offices, and outdoor spaces, complemented by a range of home decor accessories, windows, and doors. In an exclusive conversation with Mr. Harsha Raman, General Manager of Cherry Pick Bengaluru, Furniture Design & Technology Magazine (FDT) explores their product offerings, insights into the Bengaluru market, and future prospects.

BREAKING THE CLUSTER TRADITION
Gone are the days when furniture clusters were confined to specific areas of Bengaluru, such as Shivaji Nagar or Koramangala. Today, these clusters no longer exist, as customers prefer stores closer to where they live. As a result, retail stores have sprung up across Bengaluru, with every area now having its own set of stores catering to local customers.

The market in Bengaluru has become highly dynamic, driven by an influx of people moving to the city for work or business. The city’s growth is evident, with key sectors such as IT and manufacturing driving demand for high quality products. While some customers seek affordable products, others are interested in luxury offerings. Those who can afford luxury demand stylish, state-of-the-art items comparable to international standards.

The demand for luxury furniture is certainly evident, as commercial office spaces catering to professionals also feature smarter and more luxurious interiors. “Every area now has its own set of retail stores catering to local customers,” Harsha explains. This shift reflects the city’s rapid growth and the influx of new residents seeking quality, stylish products for their homes. “With more people moving in for work, there’s a growing demand for both affordable and luxury furniture, depending on the customer segment,” he adds.

As Bangalore evolves, so does its retail landscape. Harsha notes that experience centers are becoming integral to the shopping process, providing customers with a touch-and-feel experience that showcases the quality, finishes, and variety of products available. “These centers allow customers to assess the supplier’s capabilities without needing extensive space, but they should be strategically located for accessibility,” he explains.

THE LUXURY SEGMENT UNVEILED
Cherry Pick has recently expanded into the luxury segment with the launch of Cherry Luxury. This new unit focuses on bespoke furniture, offering unique items such as Mithras doors and windows, and aluminum solutions tailored to architects’ specifications. Harsha emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics, stating, “Customers today expect high-quality, durable products, especially when they pay a premium. They want good value for money, and the product must serve its purpose and be long-lasting.”

EVOLVING MATERIAL PREFERENCES
Over the years, material preferences have also evolved significantly. While fabric sofas once dominated the market, there has been a noticeable shift toward leather furniture. “People are looking more toward leather now,” Harsha explains. “We’ve seen a good demand for leather products, so we’ve converted a large portion of our portfolio from fabric-driven to leather[1]driven. However, both fabric and leather still play important roles, depending on the type of furniture.”

Another interesting trend is the growing preference for alternative materials in dining furniture. “Wood is being replaced by materials like onyx and marble,” says Harsha. This change in material choice reflects the evolving tastes of the luxury furniture market, where customers seek products that are not only stylish but also long-lasting.

THE DYNAMIC BENGALURU MARKET
Bengaluru’s furniture market is unique, characterized by fluctuating and often unpredictable demand. Harsha notes that



peak business typically occurs during June, July, and August, as well as during key festive seasons like Diwali and Christmas. Weekdays generally see lower footfall compared to weekends, as customers prefer shopping when they have more time to explore and assess products in person.

ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCE
Architects are becoming increasingly innovative, bringing global concepts to the Indian market and helping clients appreciate the value of investing in luxury products. “Architects play a significant role in shaping design concepts and convincing customers to adopt them,” Harsha asserts.

FUTURE GROWTH
With a solid foundation of experience in the furniture industry, Cherry Pick is poised for growth. Harsha reveals, “We have been in the furniture business for about seven years now. Our family has experience across multiple cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi.” Currently, the showroom features a 10,000 square foot standalone store in Koramangala and a 7,000 square foot experience center on Museum Road, showcasing high-end bespoke solutions.

Most of the luxury products are manufactured in India, with a focus on customizability, while imported items are limited to select categories like doors and windows. Harsha expresses a commitment to expanding their footprint in Bangalore, emphasizing, “We believe that one experience center is sufficient for one city. However, we are looking to expand our standalone stores across various parts of Bangalore, reflecting the more spread-out nature of retail today.”