Decor Stores: An Uncertain Future

Small, independent decor stores have lost the relevance they once had. Times change and, in turn, consumers are looking for buying solutions that are more comfortable, easier, and faster. So, what does the future hold?
Decor Stores: An Uncertain Future

Last update: 10 October, 2021

The equipment in our homes is typically governed by ornamental resources, electrical appliances, and furniture. To acquire these products, nowadays, people usually go to large general stores instead of going to smaller, independent decor stores.

The internet has transformed the way we see life. Probably, we’ve alternated certain habits to such an extent that we no longer visit the store to extract ideas, but rather, we search the web with little effort.

Undoubtedly, since we can comfortably view catalogs without leaving our homes, this is a benefit. However, small decor stores are still out there and, much to our regret, they may start closing due to the lack of customers.

Qualities of decor stores

low cost decoration stores

In the past, going out to buy was an investment of time that, after all, was endearing. We used to spend several days visiting different stores where we could find resources to decorate our homes.

Today, the situation works in the reverse. We don’t have as much time and we place importance on other aspects of our lives. In this way, stores such as IKEA have triumphed, where the furniture is characterized by having simple designs that are easy to combine.

In the last two decades, there’s been a very marked decrease in clientele visiting neighborhood stores. Society prefers to spend an entire Saturday in a large shopping mall, thus turning it into a leisure activity. So what future awaits the establishments of a lifetime?

Problems that these stores entail

Decor stores offer products of all styles, but they don’t usually change the way they work. In other words, the same sales system is still in place. In addition, society evolves and modifies customs, which entails certain problems. These include:

  • Neighborhood stores also offer on-trend minimalist and functional styles, but people prefer to save time and don’t want to visit different stores or necessarily receive advice.
  • The big brands are gaining more and more popularity. In addition, they have the budget to advertise on television, on the internet, and through mailings. These intense marketing efforts arouse the interest of the consumer.
  • Decor shops consist of precise and exclusive elements and furniture. They don’t have a very wide range of stock. This implies that the customer compares and will decide to go to those that offer more possibilities and lower prices.
  • In terms of convenience, people can shop online quickly. Technology has reached a point where you don’t even have to leave your home to view items up close or see what’s on offer.

Positive aspects of decor stores

One of the aspects we do value is personalized attention. Obviously, we experience this in stores, but personalization online isn’t the same. Online shopping doesn’t offer full dedication or generate that individualized trust.

The products that are sold in-store have a considerable level of exclusivity and originality. In this way, a differentiated appearance and look for your home can be achieved.

Quality is another factor to consider. This ensures our items are durable and made from first-class materials.

An uncertain future

The question we must ask ourselves is what will become of decor stores in the future? Many of them will probably end up closing in the long term. Social trends suggest that people prefer to continue shopping in large malls and online for multinational brands.

The future may be uncertain, but what we’re sure of is that decor stores have lost the relevance they once had. Times change and, in turn, consumers are looking for buying solutions that are more comfortable, faster and without wasting energy.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Emma, Callery: Enciclopedia práctica de la decoración, Everest, 2001.
  • Lazar Kanuk, Leslie; Schiffman, Leon: Comportamiento del consumidor, Pearson, 2005.