3D Cloud study: hybrid furniture shopping now dominant path to purchase as AI plays major part

Hybrid shopping has become the dominant path to furniture purchases, according to 3D Cloud’s Furniture Shopping Trends Study, 2025, conducted in partnership with Provoke Insights.

The research, involving 400 furniture purchasers, found that 45% now engage with both digital and in-store channels, reinforcing the need for a seamless omnichannel experience. At the same time, the percentage of consumers shopping exclusively online has increased, particularly among females, while in-store only shopping continues to decline.

“The shift in shopping behaviours underscores the growing reliance on digital experiences,” says Carly Fink, President and Head of Research at Provoke Insights. “Retailers must ensure they are delivering engaging, seamless, and intuitive digital experiences that enhance both online and in-store journeys. Consumers want the best of both worlds - the convenience of online shopping and the tactile confidence of in-store visits.”

Topline results from the study include:

●      45% shopped both online and in-store; 62% of Millennials shopped both channels

●      26% growth in online only shopping

●      46% of shoppers visited websites first before purchasing in a store

●      58% of shoppers want more help with furniture visualisation when visiting stores

●      86% are satisfied with either traditional photos or 3D images, as long as they represent the real product

The study also highlights the rising focus on AI powered tools in the furniture industry. Retailers and consumers alike are eager for AI driven solutions that improve visualisation and decision-making, but the challenge remains in finding practical applications that deliver real value.

“We’ve spent years pushing the boundaries of 3D visualisation to help retailers meet customers where they are,” says Beck Besecker, CEO and Co-Founder at 3D Cloud. “The future of furniture shopping is dynamic, immersive, and full of opportunity. Retailers who embrace a hybrid model and invest in intuitive technology will be the ones who win.”

Join 3D Cloud for its Furniture Shopping Trends Study 2025 Webinar. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from Beck Besecker of 3D Cloud and Carly Fink of Provoke Insights as they dive into the data and break down key findings from the study. Reserve your spot today. Register here.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 23rd May: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 27th May: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 28th May - Friday, 13th June: Judging days

Thursday, 3rd July: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.